小声(こごえ)

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

Similar 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.