How to say 'Sound' in Japanese | 音

Wondering how to say 'Sound' in Japanese? You're in the right place!

The Japanese word for Sound is 'Oto', written as 音 in Japanese.'Sound' in hiragana is おと.

word

音

Meaning

Sound

Reading

おと

oto

Kanji

音Sound

Explanation

The Japanese noun '音 (おと)' means 'sound'. It refers to any audible noise, whether natural or artificial. This word is commonly used in various contexts, such as describing the sound of rain, music, or voices. For example: I heard a strange sound「変な音が聞こえた」(へんなおとがきこえた). The sound of the piano is beautiful「ピアノの音が美しい」(ピアノのおとがうつくしい). It can also be used metaphorically to describe the impression or feeling something gives off, such as 'the sound of silence'「静けさの音」(しずけさのおと).

Part Of Speech

noun

Kanji JLPT

Kanji Grade

Frequency

367

Composition

kanji

Handwriting

Kanji in the Word 音

This word contains 1 kanji character:

kanji

音

Meaning

Sound

Words Related to 音 Through the Kanji 音

These 12 Words contain the Kanji 音 as well.

word

音楽

Meaning

Music

word

録音

Meaning

Recording

word

雑音

Meaning

Noise

word

音読み

Meaning

On reading

word

五十音

Meaning

Alphabet

word

音声

Meaning

Sound, Voice

word

発音

Meaning

Pronunciation

word

物音

Meaning

Sound

word

本音

Meaning

True feelings

word

足音

Meaning

Footsteps

word

録音テープ

Meaning

Recording tape

word

騒音

Meaning

Noise

Learn the Word 音

Let's make sure you fully understand this word.

What does 'Oto' (音) mean?

'Oto' means 'Sound' .

To help you master this word, here's an interactive lesson where you'll practice its readings and meanings.