Japanese symbol for “sob”

泣き声

なきごえ

Romaji: nakigoe

cry (e.g. of a baby); sob; whine

In Japanese, sob is 泣き声, read なきごえ (nakigoe).

Before using these characters for a tattoo, check them with a native speaker. Dictionary words often have several meanings, and the right choice depends on context.

Meanings

n cry (e.g. of a baby); sob; whine
n tearful voice; weepy voice

Written forms: 泣き声、なき声、泣声. Readings: なきごえ.

Kanji and stroke order

泣

cry, weep, moan

on: キュウ
kun: な.く

8 strokes · JLPT 2

声

voice

on: セイ、ショウ
kun: こえ、こわ-

7 strokes · JLPT 3

Other Japanese words for “sob”

Word	Reading	Meaning
泣く	なく naku	to cry; to shed tears; to weep
泣きじゃくる	なきじゃくる nakijakuru	to sob; to never stop crying; to cry on and on
すすり泣く	すすりなく susurinaku	to sob
むせび泣く	むせびなく musebinaku	to sob; to be choked with tears
すすり泣き	すすりなき susurinaki	sobbing; sob; weeping

Related words

Words that share a kanji.

Word	Reading	Meaning
泣き	なき naki	weeping; lamenting
号泣	ごうきゅう goukyuu	crying loudly; bawling; wailing
泣く	なく naku	to cry; to shed tears; to weep
泣かせる	なかせる nakaseru	to make someone cry; to move someone to tears
悔し泣き	くやしなき kuyashinaki	crying from vexation; tears of regret
音声	おんせい onsei	voice; speech
声明	せいめい seimei	declaration; statement; proclamation
歌声	うたごえ utagoe	singing voice; (sound of) singing