声こえを呑のむ

expression, godan verb (-mu)

choke up; be speechless

Describes being so overwhelmed by emotion (surprise, shock, awe) that one cannot speak; literally 'swallow one's voice'.

• その美うつくしい景色けしきに、彼かの女じょは声こえを呑のんだ。

  She was speechless at the beautiful scenery.

• 突とつ然ぜんの知しらせに、私わたしは声こえを呑のむばかりだった。

  I could only choke up at the sudden news.

expression, godan verb (-mu)

hold one's tongue; keep silent

Used when someone deliberately refrains from speaking, often out of discretion, fear, or respect; similar to 'bite one's tongue'.

• 彼かれは真しん実じつを知しっていたが、声こえを呑のんで何なにも言いわなかった。

  He knew the truth but held his tongue and said nothing.