Japanese

める

こえをひそめる
Meaning: to lower one's voice; to speak in a hushed voice
Part of Speech: Verb, Idiom

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Verb inflections

Form Affirmative Negative
Present 声を潜める 声を潜めない
Polite 声を潜めます 声を潜めません
Past 声を潜めた 声を潜めなかった
Polite + Past 声を潜めました 声を潜めませんでした
Te-form 声を潜めて 声を潜めなくて
Potential 声を潜められる 声を潜められない
Passive 声を潜められる 声を潜められない
Causative 声を潜めさせる 声を潜めさせない
Imperative 声を潜めろ 声を潜めるな

Example

二人は廊下で声を潜めて話した。
The two people lowered their voices and spoke in the hallway.

Usage Notes

Use it when someone deliberately speaks more quietly so other people will not hear.

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