Translation guide
Describes a rough, weak, or unclear voice, often due to illness, overuse, or emotion. Japanese has several common expressions, with しわがれ声 being the most general.
Describing a voice that is rough and unclear, typically from a cold, shouting, or tiredness.
The most common and neutral term for a hoarse voice. Can be used for temporary or chronic hoarseness.
風邪でしわがれ声になった。
I got a hoarse voice from a cold.
彼はしわがれ声で話した。
He spoke in a hoarse voice.
Loanword from English 'husky voice'. Often used in a positive or attractive sense, like a sultry or charmingly rough voice. Common in media and casual conversation.
彼女のハスキーボイスが魅力的だ。
Her husky voice is attractive.
A hoarse or husky voice, often with a slightly negative or rough connotation. Can imply a voice that is naturally rough or strained.
朝からだみ声で、喉が痛い。
I've had a hoarse voice since morning and my throat hurts.
Verb phrase meaning 'to become hoarse' or 'to lose one's voice'. Describes the process or state of hoarseness.
叫びすぎて声がかれた。
I shouted too much and my voice became hoarse.
声がかれてうまく話せない。
My voice is hoarse and I can't speak well.
Verb phrase specifically meaning 'to become hoarse' with the nuance of a rough, scratchy quality. Similar to 声がかれる but emphasizes the rough sound.
長時間話して声がしわがれた。
My voice got hoarse after talking for a long time.
A voice that becomes rough or choked due to strong emotion like sadness or anger.
To choke up or have one's voice catch due to emotion. Often used when someone is about to cry.
彼女は感謝の言葉を声を詰まらせながら言った。
She spoke words of gratitude in a choked voice.
Literally 'voice trembles'. Describes a shaky voice from nervousness, fear, or strong emotion. Not exactly hoarse, but often overlaps.
緊張で声が震えた。
My voice trembled with nervousness.
When the voice is completely gone or reduced to a whisper.
Literally 'voice doesn't come out'. The most common way to say you've lost your voice entirely.
風邪で声が出ない。
I lost my voice due to a cold.
Medical or formal term for loss of voice (aphonia). Not used in everyday conversation.
ストレスが原因で失声症になった。
I developed aphonia due to stress.
しわがれ声 is the standard, neutral term for a hoarse voice. だみ声 often implies a naturally rough or unpleasant voice, while ハスキーボイス is a positive, attractive huskiness. Use しわがれ声 for illness or temporary hoarseness.
彼は生まれつきのだみ声だ。
He has a naturally husky/rough voice.
彼女のハスキーボイスに憧れる。
I admire her husky voice.
Do not directly translate 'hoarse voice' as かすれた声 or しゃがれた声 in most contexts. While these are understandable, しわがれ声 is the natural collocation. 声がかれる is the most common verb phrase.