sharp voice; harsh tone
Describes a voice that is stern, severe, or cutting, often conveying anger or disapproval.
彼は険しい声で部下を叱った。
He scolded his subordinate in a sharp voice.
Compound of 険しい (steep, severe, grim) and 声 (voice). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the phrase is conventionally associated with a harsh or stern tone.