Pronunciation / 発音

About pronunciation, I always tell people the following three things:

Pronounce the vowels (“a”, “i”, “u”, “e” and “o”) clearly, and speak slowly rather than too fast.
You should pronounce each mora (=syllable) with the same length of time. For example, the Japanese call the popular American hamburger shop “Ma-ku-do-na-ru-do” (MacDonald’s) with an even rhythm.
There are two “tones” in Japanese; higher and lower pitches. However, don’t worry about the intonation (or which sound in a word should be pronounced at the higher pitch) too much. There are many different patterns of intonation, depending on the area and age group of the speaker. Everyone is right and can get their meaning across.

Therefore, if you just keep 1 and 2 in mind, that will be fine for communication. Relax and enjoy some interesting topics on Japanese pronunciation.

Pronunciation Tips for Popular Expressions with “te Form” / 「て形」表現の発音のコツ

“Maiasa, tamago o tabete imasu.” (Every morning I eat eggs.) Even if there is a space between “tabete” and “imasu”, do not take a breath between them. Why? Here is the reason.

Pronunciation / 発音

The Mini Pocket (3) or The Nasal Sound and Modern Japanese /ミニポケットの話 (下) 鼻濁音と現代の日本語

Learn more about the Japanese nasal sound and learn which of the Japanese language you are learning! Why not dialect of Osaka, Kyoto, Aomori or Kagoshima?

Pronunciation / 発音