Translation guide
How to express being unable to speak in Japanese, covering physical inability, emotional shock, language barriers, and situational muteness.
The person cannot produce speech due to a physical condition, such as being mute, having a sore throat, or losing their voice.
Literally 'voice doesn't come out'. The most common and natural way to say you've lost your voice or cannot speak due to a temporary physical issue like a cold or laryngitis.
風邪で声が出ない。
I can't speak because of a cold.
昨日から声が出なくて困っています。
I haven't been able to speak since yesterday and it's a problem.
Literally 'mouth cannot function'. Used for someone who is mute or unable to speak due to a disability or shock. Can sound more permanent or serious than 声が出ない.
彼は生まれつき口がきけない。
He has been unable to speak since birth.
Medical term for aphonia or loss of voice. Used in clinical contexts.
The person is so overwhelmed by emotion that they are temporarily speechless.
Literally 'words don't come out'. Used when you are at a loss for words due to surprise, shock, or strong emotion.
あまりの驚きに言葉が出なかった。
I was so surprised I couldn't speak.
感動で言葉が出ない。
I'm so moved I can't find the words.
Literally 'lose one's voice'. Can be used for both physical and emotional reasons, but often implies a dramatic loss of speech due to shock.
彼女は恐怖で声を失った。
She lost her voice from fear.
To be at a loss for words, to be speechless. Often used when someone is so surprised or shocked that they can't respond.
彼の無礼な態度に絶句した。
I was speechless at his rude attitude.
The person does not know how to speak a particular language.
Pattern: [language] + が話せない. The standard way to say you cannot speak a language.
日本語が話せない。
I can't speak Japanese.
彼は英語が話せません。
He cannot speak English.
Pattern: [language] + はできません. A polite way to say you cannot speak a language, often used with ことば (language) or specific language names.
フランス語はできません。
I cannot speak French.
The person is capable of speech but cannot speak due to circumstances, rules, or anxiety.
The potential form of 話す (to speak). Simply means 'cannot speak'. Context determines the reason.
緊張して話せなかった。
I was so nervous I couldn't speak.
会議中は話せない。
I can't speak during the meeting.
Cannot make a statement or speak up, often in a formal setting like a meeting or class.
その問題については発言できない。
I cannot speak on that issue.
Literally 'not open one's mouth'. Used when someone refuses to speak or stays silent intentionally.
彼は何も言わず、口を開けなかった。
He didn't say anything and wouldn't speak.
声が出ない (koe ga denai) focuses on the physical inability to produce voice, like when you have a sore throat. 話せない (hanasenai) is broader and can mean you cannot speak for any reason, including language barriers, nervousness, or rules.
喉が痛くて声が出ない。
My throat hurts and I can't speak (no voice comes out).
日本語が話せない。
I can't speak Japanese.
The phrase '話すことができない' is grammatically correct but often sounds stiff or overly formal. Use more natural expressions like 声が出ない or 話せない depending on context.
失声症と診断された。
I was diagnosed with aphonia.