Tonfall

tone of voice

noun TOHN-fal Less Common

Also means

intonation

Usage Note

Tonfall names the tone or intonation in which one speaks: ein scharfer Tonfall. It conveys emotional colouring beyond the words themselves. Usually singular; plural Tonfälle is rare. A compound of Ton (tone) and Fall (cadence, fall).

Examples

"Sein gereizter Tonfall verriet seinen Ärger."

Natural Translation

His irritated tone betrayed his annoyance.

Literal Translation

His irritated tone-of-voice betrayed his annoyance.

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