_Pronunciation and Romaji
Other than the three writing systems --- Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana, Japanese is sometimes written in Romaji. Romaji is primarily used for the convenience of foreigners. With Romaji, one can read Japanese without knowing any Japanese writing system, this is especially convenient for foreigners who learn Japanese Language at the early stage. Although there are several systems of Romaji, the most widely used is a modified Hepburn system.
The Latin alphabet was first used in Japan in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries, who devised a romanisation system based on Portuguese spelling. Later the Dutch introduced a romanisation system based on Dutch.
By the 20th century, there were a number of different romanisation systems in use, including the Nippon, Kunrei and Hepburn systems.
In learning any language, the foremost important part of the learning process is the pronunciation. With this in mind I have dedicated this page solely for the practice of pronunciation of the Japanese language. Try to master these sounds, and you will have a solid foundation and everything else will be easy throughout your journey of learning the spoken Japanese :)
Pronunciation may seem discouragingly complicated at the beginning, but with perseverance, it will soon become surprisingly easy. After all, it is a finite system.
So let's start our journey of learning the spoken Japanese.
Instructions:
Japanese is an agglutinative language and a mora-timed language. It has a relatively small sound inventory, and a lexically significant pitch-accent system.It is distinguished by a complex system of honorifics reflecting the nature of Japanese society, with verb forms and particular vocabulary to indicate the relative status of the speaker, the listener, and persons mentioned in conversation. Japanese vowels are pure.
The so-called 'standard Japanese' can be described in terms of 113 distinct sounds.
Other than the three writing systems --- Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana, Japanese is sometimes written in Romaji. Romaji is primarily used for the convenience of foreigners. With Romaji, one can read Japanese without knowing any Japanese writing system, this is especially convenient for foreigners who learn Japanese Language at the early stage. Although there are several systems of Romaji, the most widely used is a modified Hepburn system.
The Latin alphabet was first used in Japan in the 16th century by Portuguese missionaries, who devised a romanisation system based on Portuguese spelling. Later the Dutch introduced a romanisation system based on Dutch.
By the 20th century, there were a number of different romanisation systems in use, including the Nippon, Kunrei and Hepburn systems.
In learning any language, the foremost important part of the learning process is the pronunciation. With this in mind I have dedicated this page solely for the practice of pronunciation of the Japanese language. Try to master these sounds, and you will have a solid foundation and everything else will be easy throughout your journey of learning the spoken Japanese :)
Pronunciation may seem discouragingly complicated at the beginning, but with perseverance, it will soon become surprisingly easy. After all, it is a finite system.
So let's start our journey of learning the spoken Japanese.
Instructions:
- Please click the link at the bottom of this page to play the sound file.
- You can pause recording at anytime.
- The recording is about 40 mins long.
Japanese is an agglutinative language and a mora-timed language. It has a relatively small sound inventory, and a lexically significant pitch-accent system.It is distinguished by a complex system of honorifics reflecting the nature of Japanese society, with verb forms and particular vocabulary to indicate the relative status of the speaker, the listener, and persons mentioned in conversation. Japanese vowels are pure.
The so-called 'standard Japanese' can be described in terms of 113 distinct sounds.
- 5 single vowel
- 67 consonant + vowel
- 36 consonant + y + vowel
- 5 single consonant
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
a | ka | ga | ḡa | sa | za | ta | da | na | ha | pa | ba | ma | ya | ra | wa | k |
i | ki | gi | ḡi | si | zi | ti | -- | ni | hi | pi | bi | mi | -- | ri | -- | s |
u | ku | gu | ḡu | su | zu | tu | -- | nu | hu | pu | bu | mu | yu | ru | -- | t |
e | ke | ge | ḡe | se | ze | te | de | ne | he | pe | be | me | -- | re | -- | p |
o | ko | go | ḡo | so | zo | to | do | no | ho | po | bo | mo | yo | ro | -- | ñ |
kya | gya | ḡya | sya | zya | tya | -- | nya | hya | pya | bya | mya | -- | rya | -- | ||
kyu | gyu | ḡyu | syu | zyu | tyu | -- | nyu | hyu | pyu | byu | myu | -- | ryu | -- | ||
kyo | gyo | ḡyo | syo | zyo | tyo | -- | nyo | hyo | pyo | byo | myo | -- | ryo | -- |
Row 1 | The symbol | stands
for a sound approximately like: |
bu the Japanese sound: |
a i u e o |
'a'
in 'father' 'i' in 'machine' 'u' in 'put' 'e' in 'bet' 'o' in 'horse' |
is
short and clipped is short and clipped is short, clipped, and without lip-rounding is short and clipped is short and clipped |
When two or more Japanese vowels follow each other directly, each one retains its original quality and length, but the sequence is regularly pronounced as a continuum.
e.g., aa represents a + a pronounced without a break.
Capital letters represent a pitch level higher than that represented by lower-case letters.
Practice 1
a 'oh ! ' A-o 'blue' u-E 'top' e 'picture'
A-a 'oh ! ' I-i 'is good' o-I 'nephew' E-e yes'
A-i 'love' i-E 'house' o-O-i 'are many' o-U 'yes'
A-u 'meet' i-I-E 'no' a-O-i 'is blue' o-O-U 'conceal'
e.g., aa represents a + a pronounced without a break.
Capital letters represent a pitch level higher than that represented by lower-case letters.
Practice 1
a 'oh ! ' A-o 'blue' u-E 'top' e 'picture'
A-a 'oh ! ' I-i 'is good' o-I 'nephew' E-e yes'
A-i 'love' i-E 'house' o-O-i 'are many' o-U 'yes'
A-u 'meet' i-I-E 'no' a-O-i 'is blue' o-O-U 'conceal'
Row 2 | The symbol | stands
for a sound approximately like: |
but the Japanese sound: |
k
before a, u, e, o |
'c'
in 'coot' |
has
less aspiration |
|
ky, and k before i | 'c' in 'cute' | has less aspiration |
Practice 2
ka-U 'buy' a-KA-I 'is red' ka-I-KE-E 'account'
Ka-O 'face' o-O-KI-i 'is big' KYA-a 'eek!'
i-KE 'pond' KE-e-ko 'practice' KYO-o 'today'
ko-KO 'here Ku-U-KO-O 'airport' KYU-u 'grade'
ka-U 'buy' a-KA-I 'is red' ka-I-KE-E 'account'
Ka-O 'face' o-O-KI-i 'is big' KYA-a 'eek!'
i-KE 'pond' KE-e-ko 'practice' KYO-o 'today'
ko-KO 'here Ku-U-KO-O 'airport' KYU-u 'grade'
Row 3 | The symbol | stands
for a sound approximately like: |
but the Japanese sound: |
g
before a, u, e, o |
'g'
in 'begone' |
in
initial position is more fully voiced than the corresponding English
initial |
|
gy, and g before i | 'g' in 'regular' | in initial position is more fully voiced than the corresponding English initial |
Practice 3
GA-i 'injury' gi-KO-O art' GU-ke-e 'my elder brother'
GE-e craft' GI-ka-i 'the Diet' GYA-ku-i 'traitorous mind'
GO-i 'vocabulary' go-KA-I 'misunderstanding' gyo-O-KO-O 'good fortune'
gi-KE-E 'brother-in-law' gu-U-I 'a moral' GYU-u 'beef'
GA-i 'injury' gi-KO-O art' GU-ke-e 'my elder brother'
GE-e craft' GI-ka-i 'the Diet' GYA-ku-i 'traitorous mind'
GO-i 'vocabulary' go-KA-I 'misunderstanding' gyo-O-KO-O 'good fortune'
gi-KE-E 'brother-in-law' gu-U-I 'a moral' GYU-u 'beef'
The occurrence of ḡ is a matter of dialect. It is usually considered a feature of Tokyo Japanese.
Practice 4
E-e-ḡa 'movie' | KA-ḡe 'shadow' | KA-i-ḡi 'conference' |
i-KA-ḡa 'how?' | GO-ḡo 'afternoon' | ka-I-ḠYA-KU 'a jest' |
KA-ḡu 'furniture' | ko-O-ḠO 'spoken language' | ka-I-ḠYU-U 'sea-cow' |
a-O-ḡu 'look up' | ku-ḠI 'nail' | KO-o-ḡyo-o 'industry' |
Row 5 | The symbol: | Stands for a sound approximately like | but the japanese sound: |
s before a, u, e, o | 's' in 'see' | is pronounced further forward in the mouth | |
sy, and s before i | 'sh' in 'she' |
Practice 5
A-sa 'morning' o-SA-KE 'rice wine' SYA-ka-i 'society'
a-Su 'tomorrow' SU-ḡu 'right away' HA-i-sya 'dentist'
A-se 'perspiration' ko-O-SU-I 'perfume' KYU-u-syu-u 'Kyushu'
a-SI 'leg' o-I-SI-I 'is delicious' sya-SYO-O 'conductor'
a-SO-KO 'there' o-KA-SI-i 'is funny' syu-U-SYO-O 'grief'
A-sa 'morning' o-SA-KE 'rice wine' SYA-ka-i 'society'
a-Su 'tomorrow' SU-ḡu 'right away' HA-i-sya 'dentist'
A-se 'perspiration' ko-O-SU-I 'perfume' KYU-u-syu-u 'Kyushu'
a-SI 'leg' o-I-SI-I 'is delicious' sya-SYO-O 'conductor'
a-SO-KO 'there' o-KA-SI-i 'is funny' syu-U-SYO-O 'grief'
Row 6 |
The symbol: | Stands for a sound approximately like | but the japanese sound: |
z before a, u, e, o | 'z' in
'bazaar' or 'dz' in old zebra' |
is
pronounced further forward in the mouth and is regularly fully voiced. |
|
zy, and z
before i |
'j' in 'reject' | is pronounced further forward in the mouth and is regularly fully voiced. |
Practice 6
za-I-KA 'inventory' GO-zi 'five o'clock' ZYU-u 'ten'
KA-zu 'number' KA-zi 'a fire' KA-zyu 'fruit tree'
ki-ZU 'a cut' zi-E-E 'self-defense' zyo-O 'feeling'
ZE-e 'a tax' ZYA-a 'well then' zyo-SE-E 'woman'
ZO-o elephant' zya-KO-O 'musk' ko-O-ZYO-o 'factory'
Row 7 |
The symbol: | Stands for a sound approximately like | but the japanese sound: |
t before a, e, o | 't' in 'tip' |
is
pronounced with the tongue touching the teeth and with little aspiration |
|
ty, and t
before i |
'ch' in 'cheap' | is pronounced further forward in the mouth | |
t before u |
ts in'tsetse fly' |
is pronounced further forward in the mouth |
Practice 7
Ka-TA 'person TI-zu 'map' o-SI-GO-TO-TYU-U 'in the middle of work'
ta-KA-i 'is high' ti-I-SA-i 'is small' ko-O-TYO-O 'director'
ki-I-TE 'listening' o-TYA 'tea' TYO-u-me-e 'long life'
to-O-KA 'ten days' ko-O-TYA 'black tea' TU-i-te 'concerning'
si-GO-TO 'work' TYU-u-i 'warning' tu-ZU-KI 'continuation'
Ka-TA 'person TI-zu 'map' o-SI-GO-TO-TYU-U 'in the middle of work'
ta-KA-i 'is high' ti-I-SA-i 'is small' ko-O-TYO-O 'director'
ki-I-TE 'listening' o-TYA 'tea' TYO-u-me-e 'long life'
to-O-KA 'ten days' ko-O-TYA 'black tea' TU-i-te 'concerning'
si-GO-TO 'work' TYU-u-i 'warning' tu-ZU-KI 'continuation'
Row 8 |
The symbol: | Stands for a sound approximately like | but the japanese sound: |
d |
'd' in
'redeem' |
is pronounced with the tongue touching the teeth and is regularly fully voided |
Practise 8
e-DA 'branch' DE-te 'leaving' KA-do 'street corner'
o-KA-DA (family name) i-SO-i-de 'hurrying' DO-ko 'where'
ku-DA-SA-i 'give me' de-KI-go-to 'occurrence' do-O-ḠU 'tool'
e-DA 'branch' DE-te 'leaving' KA-do 'street corner'
o-KA-DA (family name) i-SO-i-de 'hurrying' DO-ko 'where'
ku-DA-SA-i 'give me' de-KI-go-to 'occurrence' do-O-ḠU 'tool'
Row 9 |
The symbol: | Stands for a sound approximately like | but the japanese sound: |
n before a,
u, e, o |
'n' in 'deny' |
is pronounced with the tongue touching the teeth and is regularly fully voided | |
ny, and n before i |
'n' in 'menu,' 'avenue' etc. |
is pronounced with the tongue touching the teeth and is regularly fully voided |
Practice 9
NA-ka 'inside' o-KA-NE 'money' NYA-o 'meow'
KI-nu 'silk' so-NO 'that' gyu-U-NYU-U 'milk'
te-NU-ḠU-I 'towel' NA-ni 'what' nyu-U-ZYO-O 'entrance'
NE-ko 'cat' ni-KA-I 'second floor' NYO-o-ḡo 'court lady'
Row 10 |
The symbol: | Stands for a sound approximately like | but the japanese sound: |
h before a, e, o |
'h' in 'hot' |
has more
firction
|
|
hy, and h before i |
'h' in 'humid' |
has more firction |
H
before u is made by bringing
the upper and lower lips together and then puffing air out between
them. Unlike English 'f,' which is the closest English sound, Japanese h before u does not involve the
lower teeth in its production. |
Practice 10
HA-i 'yes' hi-ḠE 'beard' HYO-o 'hail'
HA-ha 'mother' ko-O-HI-i 'coffee' HU-u 'manner'
he-E 'wall' HYU-u-zu 'fuse' Hu-ne 'boat'
HO-o 'direction' hya-KU-DO '100 times' Hu-zi 'Fuji'
Row 11 |
The symbol: | Stands for a sound approximately like | but the japanese sound: |
p before a, u, e, o |
'p' in 'poor' |
has less
aspiration |
|
py, and p before i |
'p' in 'pure' |
has less aspiration |
Practice 11
PA-a-zi 'purge' PU-u-pu-u (noise of a horn) PO-o-zu 'a pause'
a-PA-a-to 'apartment' pe-E-ZI 'page' PYU-u-pyu-u (noise of a whistle)
de-PA-a-to 'department PO-ka-po-ka 'repeatedly' pi-A-NO 'piano'
PA-a-zi 'purge' PU-u-pu-u (noise of a horn) PO-o-zu 'a pause'
a-PA-a-to 'apartment' pe-E-ZI 'page' PYU-u-pyu-u (noise of a whistle)
de-PA-a-to 'department PO-ka-po-ka 'repeatedly' pi-A-NO 'piano'
Row 12 |
The symbol: | Stands for a sound approximately like | but the japanese sound: |
b before a, u, e, o |
'b' in
'rebel' |
is regularly
fully voiced |
|
by, and b before i |
' b' in 'rebuke' |
is regularly fully voiced |
Practice 12
BA-ta-a 'butter' ka-BE 'wall' sa-BI-SI-i 'is lonely'
ta-BA-KO 'cigarette' bo-O 'stick' BYA-ku-e 'white robe'
a-SO-BU 'play' o-BO--e-te 'remembering' BYU-u-byu-u (noise of wind)
a-BU-NA-I 'is dangerous' e-BI 'shrimp' byo-O-BU 'screen'
BA-ta-a 'butter' ka-BE 'wall' sa-BI-SI-i 'is lonely'
ta-BA-KO 'cigarette' bo-O 'stick' BYA-ku-e 'white robe'
a-SO-BU 'play' o-BO--e-te 'remembering' BYU-u-byu-u (noise of wind)
a-BU-NA-I 'is dangerous' e-BI 'shrimp' byo-O-BU 'screen'
Row 13 |
The symbol: | Stands for a sound approximately like | but the japanese sound: |
m before a, u, e, o |
'm' in
'remind' |
is regularly
fully voiced |
|
my, and m before i |
'm' in 'amuse' |
is regularly fully voiced |
Practice 13
MA-e 'front' mu-SU-ME 'daughter' KYO-o-mi 'interest'
ma-TA 'again' ME-e-zi 'Meiji' mya-KU-DO-O 'pulse'
NO-mu 'drink' I-tu mo 'always' MYU-u-zu 'muse'
mu-KO-O 'over there' MI-se-te 'showing' ko-O-MYO-O 'great deed'
MA-e 'front' mu-SU-ME 'daughter' KYO-o-mi 'interest'
ma-TA 'again' ME-e-zi 'Meiji' mya-KU-DO-O 'pulse'
NO-mu 'drink' I-tu mo 'always' MYU-u-zu 'muse'
mu-KO-O 'over there' MI-se-te 'showing' ko-O-MYO-O 'great deed'
Row 14 |
The symbol: | Stands for a sound approximately like | but the japanese sound: |
y |
'y' in 'year' |
is regularly
fully voiced |
Practice 14
ya-O-YA 'vegetable store' o-YU 'hot water' yo-SI-DA (family name)
NA-ḡo-ya 'Nagoya' yu-KI-yo 'snowy night' sa-YO-O 'that way'
o-YA-SU-MI-NA-SA-i 'good night' yu-U-ME-E 'famous' o-HA-YO-O 'good morning'
ya-O-YA 'vegetable store' o-YU 'hot water' yo-SI-DA (family name)
NA-ḡo-ya 'Nagoya' yu-KI-yo 'snowy night' sa-YO-O 'that way'
o-YA-SU-MI-NA-SA-i 'good night' yu-U-ME-E 'famous' o-HA-YO-O 'good morning'
ROW 15
The Japanese r is a flap-r, (flicking the tip of the tongue against the alveolar ridge (area behind the upper teeth)).
This sound closely resembles the 'r' in the British English pronunciation of 'very.'
But in American English, it often sounds like a d, but there are two main differences:
(1) the Japanese r is shorter than d;
(2) in the production of r, the tip of the tongue makes contact with the alveolar ridge, whereas in the production of d, it is the area of the tongue immediately behind the tip that makes contact against the upper teeth.
When r is immediately followed by i or y, the r articulation just described is accompanied by palatalization--that is, the back part of the tongue is in position to make a y sound, while the tip makes the flap-r.
Practice 15
ra-KU 'comfortable' o-HU-ro 'bath' rya-KU-ZI 'simplified character'
sa-YO-NA-RA 'goodbye' o-MO-SI-RO-i 'is interesting' ka-I-RYU-U 'ocean current'
BI-ru 'building' ri-KO-O 'clever' ryu-U-KO-O 'fashion'
RU-u-ru 'rule ko-O-RI 'ice' RYO-o-zi 'consul'
KI-re-e 'pretty' a-RI-ḡa-to-o 'thank you' ryo-O-RI-ya 'restaurant'
The Japanese r is a flap-r, (flicking the tip of the tongue against the alveolar ridge (area behind the upper teeth)).
This sound closely resembles the 'r' in the British English pronunciation of 'very.'
But in American English, it often sounds like a d, but there are two main differences:
(1) the Japanese r is shorter than d;
(2) in the production of r, the tip of the tongue makes contact with the alveolar ridge, whereas in the production of d, it is the area of the tongue immediately behind the tip that makes contact against the upper teeth.
When r is immediately followed by i or y, the r articulation just described is accompanied by palatalization--that is, the back part of the tongue is in position to make a y sound, while the tip makes the flap-r.
Practice 15
ra-KU 'comfortable' o-HU-ro 'bath' rya-KU-ZI 'simplified character'
sa-YO-NA-RA 'goodbye' o-MO-SI-RO-i 'is interesting' ka-I-RYU-U 'ocean current'
BI-ru 'building' ri-KO-O 'clever' ryu-U-KO-O 'fashion'
RU-u-ru 'rule ko-O-RI 'ice' RYO-o-zi 'consul'
KI-re-e 'pretty' a-RI-ḡa-to-o 'thank you' ryo-O-RI-ya 'restaurant'
Row 16 |
The symbol: | Stands for a sound approximately like | but the japanese sound: |
w |
'w' in 'want' |
is regularly fully voided |
Practice 16
wa-KA-i 'is young' wa-KA-ru 'understand' wa-RE-WA-RE 'we'
he-E-WA 'peace' yu-BI-WA 'ring' wa-SU-RE-RU 'forget'
he-E-WA 'peace' yu-BI-WA 'ring' wa-SU-RE-RU 'forget'
Row 17 |
The symbol: | occurs as a
mora by itself immediately preceding a mora having initial |
and the
japanese sound: |
k |
k (cf.
English 'bookkeeper') |
lasts for a
full mora beat
|
|
s |
s (cf. English
'less sleep,' 'horse-show') |
lasts for a full mora beat | |
t |
t (cf. English
'hot tip') |
lasts for a full mora beat | |
p |
p (cf. English
'top part') |
lasts for a full mora beat |
All double (long) consonants in Japanese are characterized by tenseness. A following mora beginning with k, t, or p is pronounced without aspiration -- that is, without a puff of breath following the consonant.
Practice 17a
mi-K-KA 'three days' a-S-SA-ri 'briefly'
yu-K-KU-ri 'slowly' ma-S-SU-ḡu 'straight'
NI-k-ko-o 'Nikko' i-S-SO-O 'more'
ha-K-KI-ri 'clearly' za-S-SI 'magazine'
se-K-KYO-o 'sermon' ma-S-SI-ro 'all white'
ha-K-KYU-U 'small salary' i-S-SYU-U 'one round'
ka-T-TA 'bought' i-P-PA-I 'full'
i-T-TE 'going' i-P-PU-U 'somewhat'
TYO-t-to 'a bit' ri-P-PO-O 'legislation'
ma-T-TI-ba-ko 'matchbox' ha-P-PI 'workman's coat'
ko-MA-t-tya-t-ta '[I] 'm upset' ha-P-PYA-KU-ME '800 momme'
yo-T-TU-ME 'fourth thing' ha-P-PYO-O 'announcement'
yu-K-KU-ri 'slowly' ma-S-SU-ḡu 'straight'
NI-k-ko-o 'Nikko' i-S-SO-O 'more'
ha-K-KI-ri 'clearly' za-S-SI 'magazine'
se-K-KYO-o 'sermon' ma-S-SI-ro 'all white'
ha-K-KYU-U 'small salary' i-S-SYU-U 'one round'
ka-T-TA 'bought' i-P-PA-I 'full'
i-T-TE 'going' i-P-PU-U 'somewhat'
TYO-t-to 'a bit' ri-P-PO-O 'legislation'
ma-T-TI-ba-ko 'matchbox' ha-P-PI 'workman's coat'
ko-MA-t-tya-t-ta '[I] 'm upset' ha-P-PYA-KU-ME '800 momme'
yo-T-TU-ME 'fourth thing' ha-P-PYO-O 'announcement'
Row 17 (continued)
Ñ represents a nasal sound which always has a full mora (beat) of its own--that is, it constitutes a mora. Its pronunciation varies depanding on the sound that immediately follows in the same word or a following word.
Row
17(continued) |
The syllable: | before: |
represents: |
ñ |
(1) p, b, or
m |
a full-mora
m
|
|
ñ |
(2) z, t, d, n, or r |
a full-mora n |
|
ñ |
(3) k, g, or ḡ | a full mora ḡ | |
ñ |
(4) s, h, y, w, a vowel, or pause |
full-mora nasalization;
pronounced by raising the tongue toward the roof of the mounth but not
making contact anywhere, and at the same time releasing the flow of air
through the nasal passages and vibrating the vocal cords |
|
ñ |
(4) o |
ñ + w + o |
|
ñ |
(4) e |
ñ + y + e |
Practice 17b
(1) sa-Ñ-PO 'a walk' (2) be-Ñ-ZYO 'toilet' (3) be-Ñ-KYO-O 'study'
SA-Ñ-ba-i 'three cupfuls' ke-Ñ-TO-o 'a guess' ni-HO-Ñ-GI-ñ-ko-o 'Bank of Japan'
a-Ñ-MA-RI 'too much' KO-Ñ--do 'this time' ni-HO-Ñ-ḠO 'Japanese language'
da-Ñ-NA-SA-ma 'master'
BE-ñ-ri 'convenient'
(4) te-Ñ-I-Ñ 'store clerk'
ni-HO-ñ o 'Japan (as direct object)'
ni-HO-ñ e 'to Japan'
sa-Ñ-SE-E 'approval'
HA-ñ-ha-ñ 'half an half'
HO-ñ-ya 'bookstore'
de-Ñ-WA 'telephone'
a-RI-MA-SE-ñ 'there isn't any'
SA-Ñ-ba-i 'three cupfuls' ke-Ñ-TO-o 'a guess' ni-HO-Ñ-GI-ñ-ko-o 'Bank of Japan'
a-Ñ-MA-RI 'too much' KO-Ñ--do 'this time' ni-HO-Ñ-ḠO 'Japanese language'
da-Ñ-NA-SA-ma 'master'
BE-ñ-ri 'convenient'
(4) te-Ñ-I-Ñ 'store clerk'
ni-HO-ñ o 'Japan (as direct object)'
ni-HO-ñ e 'to Japan'
sa-Ñ-SE-E 'approval'
HA-ñ-ha-ñ 'half an half'
HO-ñ-ya 'bookstore'
de-Ñ-WA 'telephone'
a-RI-MA-SE-ñ 'there isn't any'
WHISPERED MORA (voiceless)
This is main characteristic of the Tokyo dialect. Whenever an i or u vowel occurs between an two voiceless consonants ( k, s, t, p, or h), the vowel automatically becomes voicelss or, in some cases, is lost. This happen whether the two consonants come in the same word or in consecutive words.
Practice 18
In the following the lighter letters represent whispered (i.e. voiceless or lost) vowels.
ki-SYA 'train' su-SU-MU 'advance' hi-SYO 'secretary'
ki-TE 'coming' su-TE-RU 'throw away' hi-TO 'person'
ki-T-TE 'stamp' na-SU-t-te 'doing' hi-P-PA-ru 'pull'
ku-SYA-mi 'sneeze' ti-KA-i 'is close' hu-KA-i 'is deep'
NA-ku-te 'not being any' ti-T-TO mo '[not] a bit' hu-SI-ḠI 'strange'
si-TE 'doing' tu-KI-MA-si-ta '[I] arrived' hu-TO-i 'is big around'
si-T-TE 'knowing' tu-TO-me-te 'being employed' hu-T-TO-BO-o-ru 'football'
su-KI-i 'skiing' hi-KI-MA-si-ta '[I] pulled' hi-HA-Ñ 'criticism'
Practice 18
In the following the lighter letters represent whispered (i.e. voiceless or lost) vowels.
ki-SYA 'train' su-SU-MU 'advance' hi-SYO 'secretary'
ki-TE 'coming' su-TE-RU 'throw away' hi-TO 'person'
ki-T-TE 'stamp' na-SU-t-te 'doing' hi-P-PA-ru 'pull'
ku-SYA-mi 'sneeze' ti-KA-i 'is close' hu-KA-i 'is deep'
NA-ku-te 'not being any' ti-T-TO mo '[not] a bit' hu-SI-ḠI 'strange'
si-TE 'doing' tu-KI-MA-si-ta '[I] arrived' hu-TO-i 'is big around'
si-T-TE 'knowing' tu-TO-me-te 'being employed' hu-T-TO-BO-o-ru 'football'
su-KI-i 'skiing' hi-KI-MA-si-ta '[I] pulled' hi-HA-Ñ 'criticism'
Phrases in the left-hand column below--the final vowel of the first word is preceded AND followed by a voiceless consonant and accordingly is itself voiceless.In the phrases in the right-hand column, the final vowel of the first word is preceded BUT not followed by a voiceless consonant and accordingly has its full, voiced value--that is, it is accompanied by vibration of the vocal cords.
Practice 19
DO-t-ti ka 'either one' DO-t-ti ḡa 'which one (as subject)?'
DE-su kara 'therefore' DE-su ḡa 'however'
I-tu kara 'since when?' I-tu ma-de 'until when'
hi-KO-o-ki to 'with an airplane' hi-KO-o-ki no 'of an airplane'
Practice 19
DO-t-ti ka 'either one' DO-t-ti ḡa 'which one (as subject)?'
DE-su kara 'therefore' DE-su ḡa 'however'
I-tu kara 'since when?' I-tu ma-de 'until when'
hi-KO-o-ki to 'with an airplane' hi-KO-o-ki no 'of an airplane'
Practice 20
When an i or u vowel is preceded by a voiceless consonant comes at the end of an utterance, the vowel either has its full voiced value or is whispered. There is variation depending on the speaker, the occasion, and the word in question. Alternants like the following occur commonly:
hi-TO-tu or hi-TO-tu 'one unit'
SO-o de-su or SO-o de-su 'that's right'
o-HA-YO-O GO-ZA-I-MA-su or o-HA-YO-O-GO-ZA-I-MA-su 'good morning'
When an i or u vowel is preceded by a voiceless consonant comes at the end of an utterance, the vowel either has its full voiced value or is whispered. There is variation depending on the speaker, the occasion, and the word in question. Alternants like the following occur commonly:
hi-TO-tu or hi-TO-tu 'one unit'
SO-o de-su or SO-o de-su 'that's right'
o-HA-YO-O GO-ZA-I-MA-su or o-HA-YO-O-GO-ZA-I-MA-su 'good morning'
Accent
The rhythm of Japanese, unlike that of English, is regular and even---each mora is given moderate, approximately equal stress, and has approximately equal length. However, some mora seem more prominent than others. This prominence--or accent-is primarily a matter or higher pitch in Japanese, and only secondarily a matter of stress (loudness).
EX: merikaryoozi
a kan 'American consulate'
is an accented utterance, and the accent occurs on the mora zi, which is slightly stressed (louder) and higher.
Anyway, at this point of time don't worry much about the accent. When you go through the lessons with me and practice what hear, at the end of this course you'll get a grasp of it. As always, practice makes perfect.
The rhythm of Japanese, unlike that of English, is regular and even---each mora is given moderate, approximately equal stress, and has approximately equal length. However, some mora seem more prominent than others. This prominence--or accent-is primarily a matter or higher pitch in Japanese, and only secondarily a matter of stress (loudness).
EX: merikaryoozi
a kan 'American consulate'
is an accented utterance, and the accent occurs on the mora zi, which is slightly stressed (louder) and higher.
Anyway, at this point of time don't worry much about the accent. When you go through the lessons with me and practice what hear, at the end of this course you'll get a grasp of it. As always, practice makes perfect.
Supplementary Pronunciation Drills
1. VOWEL COMBINATIONS
araimasu 'wash' (polite) hiatari 'exposure to the sun' huan 'uneasiness'
arau 'wash' (casual) iu (yuu) 'say' huite 'wiping'
araoo 'let's wash' sumie 'ink drawing' suehiro 'folding fan'
kikioku 'hear (and keep in mind)' huon 'unrest'
deasi 'start' doa 'door'
deiri 'going in and out' hiroi 'is wide'
neuti 'value' omou 'think'
neoki 'lying down and getting up' koe 'voice'
1. VOWEL COMBINATIONS
araimasu 'wash' (polite) hiatari 'exposure to the sun' huan 'uneasiness'
arau 'wash' (casual) iu (yuu) 'say' huite 'wiping'
araoo 'let's wash' sumie 'ink drawing' suehiro 'folding fan'
kikioku 'hear (and keep in mind)' huon 'unrest'
deasi 'start' doa 'door'
deiri 'going in and out' hiroi 'is wide'
neuti 'value' omou 'think'
neoki 'lying down and getting up' koe 'voice'
2. SHORT AND LONG VOWELS
obasan 'aunt' ha 'tooth' ozisan 'uncle'
abaasan 'grandmother' haa 'yes' oziisan 'grandfather'
kite 'coming' kuroo 'trouble' husetu 'construction'
kiite 'listening' kuuro ' air route' huusetu 'rumor'
kire 'cloth' segyoo 'management' totte 'taking'
kiree 'pretty' seegyo 'control' tootte 'going through'
muko 'bridegroom' tori 'bird' oki 'open sea'
mukoo 'beyond' toori 'avenue' ookii 'is big'
As you can see from the above words, a minor different in pronunciation could a huge different in meaning.
obasan 'aunt' ha 'tooth' ozisan 'uncle'
abaasan 'grandmother' haa 'yes' oziisan 'grandfather'
kite 'coming' kuroo 'trouble' husetu 'construction'
kiite 'listening' kuuro ' air route' huusetu 'rumor'
kire 'cloth' segyoo 'management' totte 'taking'
kiree 'pretty' seegyo 'control' tootte 'going through'
muko 'bridegroom' tori 'bird' oki 'open sea'
mukoo 'beyond' toori 'avenue' ookii 'is big'
As you can see from the above words, a minor different in pronunciation could a huge different in meaning.
3. SHORT AND LONG CONSONANTS
maki 'firewood' ite 'being' Masao (proper name)
makki 'the last years' itte 'going' massao 'deep blue'
kona 'flour' nisi 'west' kono boosi 'this hat'
konna 'this kind' nissi 'diary' kon no boosi 'nave-blue hat'
mati 'town' Supein 'Spain'
matti 'match' suppai 'is sour'
maki 'firewood' ite 'being' Masao (proper name)
makki 'the last years' itte 'going' massao 'deep blue'
kona 'flour' nisi 'west' kono boosi 'this hat'
konna 'this kind' nissi 'diary' kon no boosi 'nave-blue hat'
mati 'town' Supein 'Spain'
matti 'match' suppai 'is sour'
4. su ~ tu CONTRAST
masu 'increase' suri 'pickpocket' suki 'liking'
matu 'wait' turi 'fishing' tuki 'moon'
sumi 'corner' sugi 'past' susumu 'advance'
tumi 'crime' tugi 'next' tutumu 'wrap'
masu 'increase' suri 'pickpocket' suki 'liking'
matu 'wait' turi 'fishing' tuki 'moon'
sumi 'corner' sugi 'past' susumu 'advance'
tumi 'crime' tugi 'next' tutumu 'wrap'
5. d ~ r CONTRAST
doo 'how?' hodo 'extent' muda 'useless'
roo 'prison' horo 'hood' mura 'village'
danboo 'heating' made 'until' sode 'sleeve'
ranboo 'rough' mare 'rare' sore 'that thing'
6. n ~ ḡ ~ ñ ~ ñḡ CONTRAST
kani 'crab' kaneñ 'a combustible' sani ' in what follows'
kaḡi 'key' kaḡeñ 'moderation' saḡi 'fraud'
kañi ''severe cold' kañeñ 'hepatitis' sañi 'approval'
kañḡi 'korean singing girl' kañḡeñ 'restoration' sañḡi 'participation in government'
7. EVEN-RYHTHM PRACTICE
a 'oh !'
are 'that one'
asoko 'there'
tokidoki 'sometimes'
ano sakana 'that fish'
ano tomodati 'that friend'
ano tomadati da 'it's that friend'
asoko no tomodati 'a friend from that place'
Amerika no tomodati 'an American friend'
Amerika no tomodati da 'its an American friend'
8. ACCENT CONTRASTS
(The letters in red color are stressed)
Ima desu. 'It's now.'
Ima desu. 'It's a living room.'
Mainiti desu. 'It's every day.'
Mainiti desu. 'It's the Mainichi (a newspaper).'
Yonde kudasai. 'Please read (it).'
Yonde kudasai. 'Please call (him).'
Tuyu desu. 'It's the rainy season.'
Tuyu desu. 'It's broth.'
Atuku simasu. 'I'll make it hot.'
Atuku simasu. "I'll make it thick.'
Sore o kiru kara.. 'Since I'm going to cut it...'
Sore o kiru kara.. 'Since I'm going to wear it...'
Hasi desu. 'They're chopsticks.'
Hasi desu. 'It's the edge.'
Hasi desu. 'It's a bridge.'
Note: As you see from the above example Accent is very important in Spoken Japanese. So, try your best to recognize accent on a different words.
9. INTONATION CONTRASTS
Dekiru. 'It's possible.'
Dekiru? 'Is it possible?'
Soo desyoo. 'That's probably so.'
Soo desyoo. 'That's so, isn't it?'
Sore. "That one.'
Sore? 'That one?'
Isogasii. 'I'm busy.'
Isogasii? "Are you busy?'
Soo desu ka. "Oh.'
Soo desu ka? 'Oh?'
Tigaimasu yo. 'They're different.'
Tigaimasu yo.
Owarimashita yo. 'I've finished.'
Owarimashita yo.
Ikimasu ka? 'Are you going?'
Ikimasu ga..."I'm going, but...'
Onazi desu yo. 'They're the same.'
Onazi desu ga.."They're the same, but...'
CLASSROOM INSTRUCTIONS
(These are the common instructions given by a lecturer during a Japanese lessons class)
1. Kiite (itte) kudasai. or Please listen.
Kiite te kudasai.
2. Itte kudasai. Please say (it).
3. Moo iti-do itte kudasai. Please say (it) once more.
4. Minna de itte kudasai. Please say (it) all together.
5. Hito-ri zutu itte kudasai. Please say (it) one (person) at a time.
6. Motto hayaku hanasite kudasai. Please speak more quickly.
7. Motto hakkiri hanasite kudasai. Please speak more clearly.
8. Motto ooki na koe de hanasite kudasai. Please speak in a louder voice.
9. Suzuki-san in kiite kudasai. Please ask Mr/s. Suzuki.
10. Kotaete kudasai. Please answer.
11. Hon o minai de kudasai. Please don't look at your book.
12. Eego o tukawanai de kudasai. Please don't use English.
GREETINGS AND USEFUL PHRASES
1.Ohayoo (gozaimasu) Good morning.
2.Konniti wa. Good afternoon.
3.Konban wa. Good evening.
4.Oyasumi-nasai. Goodnight.
5.Sayo(o)nara. Goodbye.
6.Arigatoo (gozaimasu). Thank you.
7.Arigatoo (gozaimasita). Thank you (for what you did).
8.I(i)e. No. or Not at all.
9.Doo itasimasite. Don't mention it.
10.Su(m)imasen. I'm sorry. or Thank your for your trouble.
11.Su(m)imasen desita. I'm sorry (for what I did). or Thank you (for the trouble you took).
12.Situree(-simasu). Excuse me (on leaving).
13.Situree(-simasita). Excuse me (for what I did).
14.Onegai-simasu. Please (speaker requesting something).
15.Doozo. Please (speaker offering something).
16.Moosiwake arimasen. or
17.Moosiwake gozaimasen. Forgive me.
18.Otukaresama (desita). (You must be tired!)
19.Suzuki-san. Mr/s. Suzuki.
20.Hai.;Ee.;Haa. Yes.
21.Doo mo. (In every way).
PRACTICE
These conversations are taking place between 2 parties with different social status. In Japan, formality of speech is very important, one has to use the correct level of speech depending on who he/she is talking to. For example, one has to talk politely and formally to her superior; but the superior has the option of whether to use polite (formal) or causual (informal) speech, when he/she talks to a person with lower rank. At this point don't worry too much about this as you will learn them throughout this course.
Response
1. Ohayoo. Ohayoo.
2. Ohayoo gozaimasu. Ohayoo gozaimasu.
3. Ohayoo gozaimasu. Ohayoo.
4. Konniti wa. Konniti wa.
5. Konban wa. Konban wa.
6. Oyasumi-nasai. Oyasumi-nasai.
7. Oyasumi-nasai. Sayonara.
8. Sayonara. Sayonara.
9. Sayonara. Sayoonara.
10. Sayoonara. Sayoonara.
11. Sayonara. Oyasumi-nasai.
12. Situree. Doozo.
13. Situree-simasu. Doozo.
14. Situree-simasu. Sayoonara.
15. Situree. Sayonara.
16. Situree. Iie.
17. Situree-simasita. Doo itasimasite.
18. Situree-simasita. Iie.
19. Doo mo situree-simasita. Iie, doo itasimasite.
20. Sumimasen. Iie.
21. Doo mo sumimasen. Doo itasimasite.
22. Suimasen. Iie.
23. Suimasen desita. Doo itasimasite.
24. Suimasen desita. Iie, doo itasimasite.
25. Doo mo sumimasen desita. Iie.
26. Sumimasen. Doozo.
27. Arigatoo. Iie.
28. Doo mo arigatoo. Doo itasimasite.
29. Arigatoo gozaimasu. Ie, doo itasimasite.
30. Doo mo arigatoo gozaimasu. Iie.
31. Arigatoo gozaimasita. Doo itasimasite.
32. Doo mo arigatoo gozaimasita. Iie, doo itasimasite.
33. Onegai-simasu. Doozo.
34. Onegai-simasu. Hai, doozo.
35. Doozo. Doo mo.
36. Doozo. Arigatoo gozaimasu.
37. Doozo. Sumimasen.
38. Moosiwake arimasen. Doo itasimasite.
39.Moosiwake gozaimasen. Iie, doo itasimasite.
40. Otukaresama. Sayonara.
41. Otukaresama desita. Doo itasimasite.
42. Suzuki-san. Hai.
43. Suzuki-san, ohayoo. Ohayoo gozaimasu.
44. Doo mo. Ie.
45. Doo mo doo mo. Doo itasimasite.
46. Suzuki-san, ohayoo gozaimasu. Doo mo doo mo.
47. Sumimasen. Onegai-simasu. Hai Doozo.
48. Oyasumi-nasai. Sayonara. Sayonara. Oyasumi-nasai.
49. Sumimasen. Situree-simasita. Iie, doo itasimasite.
50. Sumimasen desita.
Moosiwake arimasen. Doo Itasimasite.
Once you have complete this Pronounciation and Romaji Lesson, you are now well equiped with the foundation, and you are ready to go to the next phase of the course. Please follow me inside the Lesson Pages to begin our journey to Japanese proficiency.
doo 'how?' hodo 'extent' muda 'useless'
roo 'prison' horo 'hood' mura 'village'
danboo 'heating' made 'until' sode 'sleeve'
ranboo 'rough' mare 'rare' sore 'that thing'
6. n ~ ḡ ~ ñ ~ ñḡ CONTRAST
kani 'crab' kaneñ 'a combustible' sani ' in what follows'
kaḡi 'key' kaḡeñ 'moderation' saḡi 'fraud'
kañi ''severe cold' kañeñ 'hepatitis' sañi 'approval'
kañḡi 'korean singing girl' kañḡeñ 'restoration' sañḡi 'participation in government'
7. EVEN-RYHTHM PRACTICE
a 'oh !'
are 'that one'
asoko 'there'
tokidoki 'sometimes'
ano sakana 'that fish'
ano tomodati 'that friend'
ano tomadati da 'it's that friend'
asoko no tomodati 'a friend from that place'
Amerika no tomodati 'an American friend'
Amerika no tomodati da 'its an American friend'
8. ACCENT CONTRASTS
(The letters in red color are stressed)
Ima desu. 'It's now.'
Ima desu. 'It's a living room.'
Mainiti desu. 'It's every day.'
Mainiti desu. 'It's the Mainichi (a newspaper).'
Yonde kudasai. 'Please read (it).'
Yonde kudasai. 'Please call (him).'
Tuyu desu. 'It's the rainy season.'
Tuyu desu. 'It's broth.'
Atuku simasu. 'I'll make it hot.'
Atuku simasu. "I'll make it thick.'
Sore o kiru kara.. 'Since I'm going to cut it...'
Sore o kiru kara.. 'Since I'm going to wear it...'
Hasi desu. 'They're chopsticks.'
Hasi desu. 'It's the edge.'
Hasi desu. 'It's a bridge.'
Note: As you see from the above example Accent is very important in Spoken Japanese. So, try your best to recognize accent on a different words.
9. INTONATION CONTRASTS
Dekiru. 'It's possible.'
Dekiru? 'Is it possible?'
Soo desyoo. 'That's probably so.'
Soo desyoo. 'That's so, isn't it?'
Sore. "That one.'
Sore? 'That one?'
Isogasii. 'I'm busy.'
Isogasii? "Are you busy?'
Soo desu ka. "Oh.'
Soo desu ka? 'Oh?'
Tigaimasu yo. 'They're different.'
Tigaimasu yo.
Owarimashita yo. 'I've finished.'
Owarimashita yo.
Ikimasu ka? 'Are you going?'
Ikimasu ga..."I'm going, but...'
Onazi desu yo. 'They're the same.'
Onazi desu ga.."They're the same, but...'
CLASSROOM INSTRUCTIONS
(These are the common instructions given by a lecturer during a Japanese lessons class)
1. Kiite (itte) kudasai. or Please listen.
Kiite te kudasai.
2. Itte kudasai. Please say (it).
3. Moo iti-do itte kudasai. Please say (it) once more.
4. Minna de itte kudasai. Please say (it) all together.
5. Hito-ri zutu itte kudasai. Please say (it) one (person) at a time.
6. Motto hayaku hanasite kudasai. Please speak more quickly.
7. Motto hakkiri hanasite kudasai. Please speak more clearly.
8. Motto ooki na koe de hanasite kudasai. Please speak in a louder voice.
9. Suzuki-san in kiite kudasai. Please ask Mr/s. Suzuki.
10. Kotaete kudasai. Please answer.
11. Hon o minai de kudasai. Please don't look at your book.
12. Eego o tukawanai de kudasai. Please don't use English.
GREETINGS AND USEFUL PHRASES
1.Ohayoo (gozaimasu) Good morning.
2.Konniti wa. Good afternoon.
3.Konban wa. Good evening.
4.Oyasumi-nasai. Goodnight.
5.Sayo(o)nara. Goodbye.
6.Arigatoo (gozaimasu). Thank you.
7.Arigatoo (gozaimasita). Thank you (for what you did).
8.I(i)e. No. or Not at all.
9.Doo itasimasite. Don't mention it.
10.Su(m)imasen. I'm sorry. or Thank your for your trouble.
11.Su(m)imasen desita. I'm sorry (for what I did). or Thank you (for the trouble you took).
12.Situree(-simasu). Excuse me (on leaving).
13.Situree(-simasita). Excuse me (for what I did).
14.Onegai-simasu. Please (speaker requesting something).
15.Doozo. Please (speaker offering something).
16.Moosiwake arimasen. or
17.Moosiwake gozaimasen. Forgive me.
18.Otukaresama (desita). (You must be tired!)
19.Suzuki-san. Mr/s. Suzuki.
20.Hai.;Ee.;Haa. Yes.
21.Doo mo. (In every way).
PRACTICE
These conversations are taking place between 2 parties with different social status. In Japan, formality of speech is very important, one has to use the correct level of speech depending on who he/she is talking to. For example, one has to talk politely and formally to her superior; but the superior has the option of whether to use polite (formal) or causual (informal) speech, when he/she talks to a person with lower rank. At this point don't worry too much about this as you will learn them throughout this course.
Response
1. Ohayoo. Ohayoo.
2. Ohayoo gozaimasu. Ohayoo gozaimasu.
3. Ohayoo gozaimasu. Ohayoo.
4. Konniti wa. Konniti wa.
5. Konban wa. Konban wa.
6. Oyasumi-nasai. Oyasumi-nasai.
7. Oyasumi-nasai. Sayonara.
8. Sayonara. Sayonara.
9. Sayonara. Sayoonara.
10. Sayoonara. Sayoonara.
11. Sayonara. Oyasumi-nasai.
12. Situree. Doozo.
13. Situree-simasu. Doozo.
14. Situree-simasu. Sayoonara.
15. Situree. Sayonara.
16. Situree. Iie.
17. Situree-simasita. Doo itasimasite.
18. Situree-simasita. Iie.
19. Doo mo situree-simasita. Iie, doo itasimasite.
20. Sumimasen. Iie.
21. Doo mo sumimasen. Doo itasimasite.
22. Suimasen. Iie.
23. Suimasen desita. Doo itasimasite.
24. Suimasen desita. Iie, doo itasimasite.
25. Doo mo sumimasen desita. Iie.
26. Sumimasen. Doozo.
27. Arigatoo. Iie.
28. Doo mo arigatoo. Doo itasimasite.
29. Arigatoo gozaimasu. Ie, doo itasimasite.
30. Doo mo arigatoo gozaimasu. Iie.
31. Arigatoo gozaimasita. Doo itasimasite.
32. Doo mo arigatoo gozaimasita. Iie, doo itasimasite.
33. Onegai-simasu. Doozo.
34. Onegai-simasu. Hai, doozo.
35. Doozo. Doo mo.
36. Doozo. Arigatoo gozaimasu.
37. Doozo. Sumimasen.
38. Moosiwake arimasen. Doo itasimasite.
39.Moosiwake gozaimasen. Iie, doo itasimasite.
40. Otukaresama. Sayonara.
41. Otukaresama desita. Doo itasimasite.
42. Suzuki-san. Hai.
43. Suzuki-san, ohayoo. Ohayoo gozaimasu.
44. Doo mo. Ie.
45. Doo mo doo mo. Doo itasimasite.
46. Suzuki-san, ohayoo gozaimasu. Doo mo doo mo.
47. Sumimasen. Onegai-simasu. Hai Doozo.
48. Oyasumi-nasai. Sayonara. Sayonara. Oyasumi-nasai.
49. Sumimasen. Situree-simasita. Iie, doo itasimasite.
50. Sumimasen desita.
Moosiwake arimasen. Doo Itasimasite.
Once you have complete this Pronounciation and Romaji Lesson, you are now well equiped with the foundation, and you are ready to go to the next phase of the course. Please follow me inside the Lesson Pages to begin our journey to Japanese proficiency.