Translation guide
The English word "modulation" covers several distinct concepts. This guide helps you choose the right Japanese expression depending on whether you mean adjusting your voice, changing a signal in electronics/broadcasting, shifting musical keys, or varying something in a controlled way.
Adjusting the voice to convey emotion, meaning, or to speak effectively.
Refers to the rise and fall of the voice, intonation. Commonly used when talking about speaking style or expressiveness.
He has rich voice modulation, so his stories are interesting.
Literally 'strength and weakness of voice', focusing on volume dynamics.
In presentations, it's important to modulate the volume of your voice.
A more general phrase meaning 'to change the tone of one's voice'.
Modulate your voice according to the situation.
Varying a carrier wave to transmit information.
Changing from one key to another within a piece of music.
The standard musical term for key modulation.
This song modulates in the middle.
Controlling or varying something gradually or in a measured way.
Means 'adjustment' or 'regulation'. Can be used for modulation in a broad sense, but is less specific.
Modulate the intensity of the light.
Means 'degree' or 'moderation'. Can imply fine-tuning, but is not a direct translation for 'modulation'.
While 変調 is the technical term for signal modulation, using it for voice modulation sounds unnatural. Use 声の抑揚 or similar phrases instead.
変調 is for electronics/communications, 転調 is for music. They are not interchangeable.
This synthesizer has various modulation functions.
Modulate the heat (e.g., while cooking).