Translation guide
How to express 'raise one's voice' in Japanese, covering literal loudness, speaking up, and emotional outbursts.
To make one's voice louder so that others can hear, without necessarily implying anger.
A neutral, straightforward way to say 'speak louder' or 'raise one's voice' in terms of volume.
後ろの席の人にも聞こえるように、声を大きくしてください。
Please raise your voice so that people in the back seats can hear you.
To project one's voice, often used in contexts like singing, acting, or public speaking.
To express one's opinion or protest, often in a situation where one might otherwise stay silent.
Literally 'raise one's voice', used figuratively for speaking out against injustice or making one's opinion heard.
不正に対して声を上げる人が増えている。
More and more people are raising their voices against injustice.
To raise one's voice due to anger, frustration, or strong emotion, often in a conflict.
The English phrase 'raise one's voice' can be translated literally as 声を上げる, but this often means 'speak out' rather than simply increasing volume. For volume, use 声を大きくする. For anger, use 怒鳴る or 声を荒げる.
声を上げてください。
Please speak out. (Not 'Please speak louder.')
声を大きくする is purely about volume. 声を上げる is about making your voice heard in a social or protest sense. Using 声を上げる when you mean 'speak louder' can cause confusion.
声を大きくして話してください。
Please speak louder.
舞台では声を張って話さなければならない。
On stage, you have to project your voice.
A more casual, modern way using the loanword 'volume'. Common in everyday conversation.
テレビの音がうるさくて、声のボリュームを上げた。
The TV was loud, so I raised my voice.
A more general phrase meaning 'to state one's opinion'. Not as strong as 'raise one's voice', but natural for everyday situations.
会議で勇気を出して意見を言った。
I gathered the courage to speak up at the meeting.
Literally 'make one's voice big', meaning to speak out strongly or emphatically. Often used in formal or written contexts.
彼は環境保護の必要性を声を大にして訴えた。
He raised his voice to appeal for the need for environmental protection.
To shout angrily; the most common word for yelling at someone in anger.
上司は部下に大声で怒鳴った。
The boss raised his voice and yelled at his subordinate.
To raise one's voice in an agitated or rough manner, often during an argument.
彼は興奮して声を荒げた。
He got excited and raised his voice.
A more intense, rough way of shouting, often implying a loud, harsh voice. Can be seen as vulgar.
酔っ払いが街中でがなっていた。
A drunk was shouting loudly in the street.
We should speak out more.
We should speak out more.