口ぶり
Meanings
1
way of speaking; manner of speech; tone
Refers to how someone says something, including word choice, tone, and implied attitude. Often used when inferring feelings or intentions from speech.
Judging from his way of speaking, he doesn't seem very enthusiastic.
I sensed a bit of anger in my boss's tone.
2
The subtle suggestion or hint conveyed through someone's manner of speaking, rather than stated directly.
From the way she spoke, it seemed like she had already made up her mind.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉の口ぶりから〈事〉を察するto sense or guess something from the way someone speaks
From his tone, I sensed that he was hiding something.
- 〜な口ぶりで話すto speak in a ~ manner or tone
She spoke with a confident tone.
- 口ぶりからするとjudging from the way someone talks
Judging from how he talks, he doesn't really want to go.
- 〈事〉を匂わせる口ぶりa way of speaking that hints at something
He spoke in a way that hinted at resignation.