목소리
mok-so-ri
Definition
The sound produced when a person speaks or sings; one's voice.
Example
그녀의 목소리는 정말 아름답고 부드러워요.
Show translation
Her voice is truly beautiful and soft.
Etymology
목소리 is a native Korean compound: 목 (neck/throat) + 소리 (sound). Literally "throat sound," it refers specifically to the human voice, as opposed to 소리 alone, which covers any sound or noise.
Cultural note
In Korean culture, the quality of one's 목소리 carries social weight — a warm, clear voice is considered a sign of sincerity and good character. Korean also distinguishes between 목소리 (a person's voice) and 소리 (sound in general), so using the wrong word can sound unnatural. When describing someone's singing voice, 목소리 is always preferred over 소리.