Meaning and Usage
The word '울음소리' specifically refers to the sound of crying, often associated with babies, animals, or people expressing sadness or pain. It is a noun combining '울음' (crying) and '소리' (sound).
Common Contexts
You will frequently hear '울음소리' when talking about babies crying, animals making distress sounds, or emotional moments where someone’s crying is audible. It can describe both literal crying sounds and metaphorical expressions of sorrow.
Collocations and Patterns
- 울음소리가 나다: to make a crying sound
- 울음소리를 참다: to hold back the crying sound
- 울음소리가 크다/작다: the crying sound is loud/soft
These patterns help express the intensity or control of crying sounds.
Register and Nuance
'울음소리' is neutral and commonly used in everyday speech and writing. It is neither formal nor informal but fits well in narratives, descriptions, and conversations.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '울음소리' with just '울다' (to cry). Remember, '울음소리' focuses on the audible sound of crying, not the act itself. Use '울다' when describing the action, and '울음소리' when emphasizing the sound heard.