小声(こごえ)

こごえ
noun
low voice; whisper
1. low voice; whisper; soft voice
Speaking quietly, at a low volume.
小声(こごえ)で話(はな)す。
To speak in a low voice.
図書館(としょかん)では小声(こごえ)で話(はな)してください。
Please speak quietly in the library.
彼(かれ)は小声(こごえ)で秘密(ひみつ)を教(おし)えてくれた。
He told me the secret in a whisper.

小声(こごえ) is a compound of 小(こ) (small) and 声(こえ) (voice). It refers to speaking quietly, either to avoid being overheard or out of shyness.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 小声(こごえ)で話(はな)す: to speak in a low voice
  • 小声(こごえ)で言(い)う: to say in a whisper
  • 小声(こごえ)で呟(つぶや)く: to mutter under one's breath

CONTRASTING WORDS:

  • 大声(おおごえ): loud voice (opposite)
  • ひそひそ声(ごえ): whispering voice (secretive nuance)
  • 声(こえ)を落(お)とす: to lower one's voice (action of reducing volume)

USAGE:
The particle で marks 小声(こごえ) as the manner of speaking. Unlike 声(こえ)を落(お)とす, which describes the action of lowering volume, 小声(こごえ) simply describes the quiet state of one's voice.

general
Added 2026.2.4 19:52 · Revised 2026.3.25 15:54
09500/09948_kogoe