Usage patterns 〈 形けい 容よう 詞し 〉 口く 調ちょう で 話はな す to speak in a [adjective] tone of voice
She spoke in a gentle tone of voice.
口く 調ちょう が 変か わる for one's tone of voice to change
His tone of voice suddenly changed when he was scolded.
口く 調ちょう を 強つよ める to sharpen/intensify one's tone of voice
The teacher warned him with a slightly sharper tone of voice.
Related words· 10 語調 is a more formal or literary word for tone of voice, while 口調 is the common, everyday term for how someone speaks.
話し方 covers one's overall style of speaking, including word choice and habits, while 口調 focuses narrowly on the vocal tone and rhythm.
調子 is a broader word for tone, condition, or rhythm that can apply to speech or many other things, while 口調 is used specifically for how someone's voice sounds when talking.
口調 focuses narrowly on the tone or rhythm of speech, while 口ぶり also implies the speaker's underlying attitude or intention that can be inferred.
Show 6 more Show fewer 口調 emphasizes the rhythm and manner of speaking, while 声色 focuses on the actual tone or quality of the voice.
口調 focuses on the rhythm, pitch, or flow of speech, while 語気 emphasizes the emotional attitude or force behind the words.
口調 focuses narrowly on tone of voice and intonation, whereas 語り口 covers the overall narrative delivery, pacing, and phrasing.
口調 refers narrowly to the tone or intonation of someone's speech, while 話しぶり covers the whole manner and style of speaking.
口調 focuses narrowly on tone of voice, whereas 物言い covers both wording and attitude in how someone speaks.
口調 refers to the tone or intonation of speech, while 言葉遣い is about which words and expressions one chooses to use.
Don't confuse with 口調 describes the tone or manner of someone's speech (e.g. blunt, polite), while 口癖 refers to a specific phrase or verbal tic they repeat.
口調 refers to the tone or manner of one's speaking voice, while 論調 refers to the intellectual tone or direction of an argument or discourse.
Word family tone of command; commanding tone
apologetic tone; defensive tone of voice
oratorical tone; speech-like manner
rough Tokyo dialect; crude way of speaking
rough Tokyo dialect; crude speaking; vulgar language
Etymology Compound of 口 (mouth, speech) and 調 (tune, tone). The combination naturally yields 'tone of voice'.
Report an issue with this page
Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
