Explore Words Kanji Grammar Guides

Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

Get the Kotomora apps for iOS and Android.

Explore Words Kanji Grammar Guides About Support Privacy

Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.

がらがら声 (garagaragoe) Japanese meaning: rough voice | Kotomora

がらがら声ごえ

Meanings

1

rough voice; hoarse voice

Describes a voice that is rough, gravelly, or hoarse, often due to a cold, sore throat, or overuse.

風邪かぜでがらがら声ごえになってしまった。
My voice has become hoarse because of a cold.
彼かれはがらがら声ごえで話はなし始はじめた。
He started speaking in a rough voice.

Kanji

声voice

Related words

しわがれ声ごえ
しわがれ声 also means a hoarse or husky voice, but often implies a more strained or cracked quality, while がらがら声 emphasizes a rough, gravelly sound.
ハスキーボイス
ハスキーボイス is a loanword for a husky voice, often with a positive or attractive nuance, whereas がらがら声 is neutral and typically describes a temporary condition.

Etymology

Compound of the onomatopoeic adverb がらがら (mimicking a rattling or gravelly sound) and 声 (voice).