Translation guide
How to express 'make a sound' in Japanese, covering general sounds, human vocal sounds, animal sounds, and mechanical noises.
To say that something or someone produces a sound, noise, or auditory signal.
The most common and neutral way to say 'make a sound'. Works for people, animals, objects, and instruments.
Please don't make a loud sound suddenly.
This toy makes a sound when you press the button.
Used when a sound is heard, often spontaneously or from an unspecified source. Focuses on the perception of sound.
A strange sound came from the next room.
Intransitive verb meaning 'to ring', 'to sound', or 'to make a sound'. Used for alarms, phones, bells, and things that produce a sound by themselves.
Transitive verb meaning 'to make something sound' or 'to ring'. Used when someone intentionally causes a sound.
To produce a sound with one's voice, such as speaking, crying, or making a noise.
Specifically for making a vocal sound, like speaking, shouting, or crying. More natural than 音を出す for human voices.
To describe an animal making its characteristic sound.
General verb for animals making sounds (cry, sing, bark, meow, etc.). Covers most creatures.
To describe a machine, device, or electronic equipment producing a sound.
Works for machines and electronics as well. Neutral and common.
音を出す focuses on the agent producing the sound, while 音がする focuses on the sound being heard, often without specifying the source. Use 音を出す when someone/something actively makes a sound, and 音がする when you perceive a sound.
He made a sound with the guitar.
風で窓がガタガタ音がする。
The window is rattling (making a sound) because of the wind.
The phone is ringing.
The alarm clock didn't go off (make a sound).
He honked the horn (made a sound with the horn).
Please ring the bell.
I was so surprised I couldn't make a sound.
The baby made a loud sound.
Used when a voice is heard, often from an unknown source. Similar to 音がする but for voices.
I heard someone's voice outside.
To make a groaning or moaning sound. More specific than just 'make a sound'.
He made a groaning sound in pain.
犬がワンワン鳴いている。
The dog is barking (making a sound).
The bird is singing (making a sound).
More explicit: 'to let out a cry'. Emphasizes the act of vocalizing.
The cat let out a loud meow.
The computer is making a strange sound.
Specifically for operational sounds of machinery. Technical nuance.
The air conditioner is making an operating sound.
どこかで音がした。
I heard a sound somewhere.
Although 作る means 'to make', it is not used for producing sounds. Use 出す (だす) or 鳴らす (ならす) instead. Saying 音を作る sounds like you are creating or synthesizing a sound artificially, not just producing it.