抑揚
Meanings
1
intonation; modulation; inflection
Refers to the rise and fall of voice pitch, often in speech or music. Commonly used in the phrase 抑揚のない (monotone, flat).
See also: 抑揚のない
His way of speaking has no intonation, and it makes me sleepy.
In reading aloud, it's important to add modulation.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉に抑揚をつけるto add intonation/modulation to something (one's voice, speech)
The teacher added intonation to her speech to catch the students' interest.
- 抑揚をつけて〈動詞〉to do something (e.g. speak, read) with intonation/modulation
He recited the poem with expressive intonation.
- 抑揚が乏しいto lack sufficient intonation/modulation
His speech lacked intonation, and it made the audience sleepy.
Expressions
- 抑揚のないmonotonous; flat; lacking intonation