Translation guide
The English word 'mute' can refer to a person who cannot speak, the act of silencing something, or a device that dampens sound. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing someone who cannot speak, typically due to a physical condition.
A common, neutral phrase meaning 'unable to speak'. Literally 'mouth cannot function'.
彼は事故で口がきけなくなった。
He became mute after an accident.
A dated, potentially offensive term for a mute person. Avoid in modern, polite conversation.
This word is now considered discriminatory. Use '口がきけない' instead.
昔は「唖」と呼ばれることもあった。
In the past, they were sometimes called 'oshi'.
To turn off sound, such as muting a TV, phone, or microphone.
Direct loanword from English, commonly used for electronic devices.
テレビをミュートしてください。
Please mute the TV.
Literally 'erase the sound', a natural way to say 'mute'.
スマホの音を消した。
I muted my smartphone.
Formal or technical term for muting, often used in manuals or settings.
会議中はマイクを消音してください。
Please mute your microphone during the meeting.
To reduce the volume or intensity of a sound, often with a physical object.
General verb meaning 'to weaken', used for sound, light, etc.
カーテンで外の音を弱めた。
The curtain muted the outside noise.
Means 'to soften' or 'to moderate', often used for making sound less harsh.
Noun for a mute device in music, e.g., trumpet mute.
トランペットにミュートを付ける。
Put a mute on the trumpet.
To make something less intense or noticeable, such as colors, feelings, or reactions.
Means 'to suppress' or 'to hold back', used for emotions, colors, etc.
彼は怒りを抑えた。
He muted his anger.
To make something subdued or restrained, often for colors or behavior.
部屋の色を控えめにした。
I muted the colors of the room.
The word '唖' is outdated and discriminatory. Use '口がきけない' to describe someone who cannot speak.
壁が隣の話し声を和らげた。
The wall muted the neighbor's voice.