Massaaji no gakkou
Here are 4 tips about Japanese pronunciations.
✓ Double length vowels
✓ N-sound (ん)
✓ Small ya, yu, yo (ゃ, ゅ, ょ)
✓ Small tsu (っ)
Double length vowels
Double-length vowels are slightly longer than single vowels. If a single vowel lasts 0.1 seconds, then a double vowel lasts 0.2 seconds.
Here are some images to help you imagine the length of the sounds: “a” is a momentary sound, like when you are surprised at something, while “aa” is a sound like when you yawn.
Double-length vowels come in two types. One type consists of the repetition of the same vowel, while the other type involves a sequence of different vowels, which only have two patterns. However, there are five pronunciation patterns, as shown in the table below.
| Combinations of Vowels | Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| AA | long A sound (AA) |
| II | long I sound (II) |
| UU | long U sound (UU) |
| EE, EI | long E sound (EE) |
| OO, OU | long O sound (OO) |
When a crow caws, it sounds “kaa kaa” to the Japanese.
Guess what animals are roaring. (The answers are at the bottom of this page.)
1. buu buu
2. mee mee
3. nyaa nyaa
4. moo moo
Let’s read the words below.
koora (cola)
kiiwaado (key word)
keeki (cake)
koori (ice)
sooseeji (sausage)
suuji (number)
otousan (father)
N (ん) -sound
The Japanese language is unique in that it does not have “consonant-only sounds.” Unlike many other languages, all consonants in Japanese are invariably connected to vowels, with two notable exceptions: the N(ん)-sound and the small TSU (つ). The N-sound, which is an exception to the typical consonant-vowel pattern, can sometimes be equivalent to consonants such as N, M, and NG. Its pronunciation varies depending on the consonant that follows it. It’s important to note that the N-sound in Japanese is not as pronounced or strong as similar sounds in other languages. However, when learning Japanese, you don’t need to be overly concerned about mastering these subtle pronunciation nuances; you can generally pronounce the sounds as they are without much difficulty.
しんかんせん (shinkansen) = shingkansen
かんばん (kanban) = kamban
さんま (sanma) = samma
しんごう (shingou) = shinggou
まんが (manga) = mangga
Here are some words that you need to be particularly careful about when pronouncing. In Japanese, if there are vowels following the N- sound, these vowels should not be linked together; instead, they must be pronounced separately. If you allow these vowels to liaise, or blend together, it can alter the meaning of the words, potentially leading to misunderstandings. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the N-sound is followed by a light N sound, distinct from the subsequent vowel. This attention to detail in pronunciation helps maintain the intended meaning and clarity of your speech in Japanese
きんえん (ki,n,e,n) = kin’ en
きねん (ki,ne,n) = kinen
あんい (a,n,i) = an’ i
あに (a,ni) = ani
Small や ゆ よ (small ya, yu, yo)
Small や (ya), ゆ (yu), and よ (yo) always connect to the い (i) sounds before them. When kana with small や, ゆ, or よ are used, they are pronounced together with the consonants that precede them, forming a single syllable. This combination creates a blended sound, where the consonant and the small や, ゆ, or よ are merged smoothly. This is an important aspect of Japanese pronunciation, ensuring that the sounds flow naturally and correctly within words.
| Small や with unvoiced consonants | Small や with voiced consonants | Small や with P-sound |
|---|---|---|
| Kya >>> Ki ya >>> きゃ（キャ） | Gya >>> Gi ya >>> ぎゃ（ギャ） | |
| Sya >>> Si ya >>> しゃ（シャ） | Jya >>> Ji ya >>> じゃ（ジャ） | |
| Chya >>> Chi ya >>> ちゃ（チャ） | ||
| Nya >>> Ni ya >>> にゃ（ニャ） | ||
| Hya >>> Hi ya >>> ひゃ（ヒャ） | Bya >>> Bi ya >>> びゃ（ビャ） | Pya >>> Pi ya >>> ぴゃ（ピャ） |
| Mya >>> Mi ya >>> みゃ（ミャ） | ||
| Rya >>> Ri ya >>> りゃ（リャ） |
びょういん (hospital) >>> びょ・ういん (byouin)
びよういん (hair salon) >>> び・よういん (biyouin)
りゅう (dragon) >>> りゅ・う (ryuu)
りゆう (reason) >>> り・ゆう (riyuu)
ひゃく(hundred) >>> ひゃ・く(hyaku)
ひや (leaping) >>> ひ・やく(hiyaku)
Small つ (small tsu)
The small つ (tsu) represents a hidden or “geminate” consonant. It is influenced by the following consonant, creating a double consonant sound. Small つ always appears in the middle of words, as the Japanese language never ends with consonants. This double consonant effect caused by small つ is softer than double consonants in English, but it is essential for proper pronunciation and meaning in Japanese
がっこう >>> ga-k-kou
りっぱ >>> ri-p-pa
なっとう >>> na-t-tou
マッサージ >>> ma-s-saaji
It would be helpful to clap your hands when you encounter a small つ (tsu) in a word. This physical action can help you remember to stop your pronunciation momentarily and prepare for the next consonant. When you clap, you need to pause your speech and get ready for the upcoming consonant sound. This practice can improve your awareness and accuracy in pronouncing double consonants in Japanese, ensuring that you properly emphasize the hidden or “geminate” consonant represented by small つ.
がっこう >>> ga, clap-k, kou
りっぱ >>> ri, clap-p, pa
なっとう >>> na, clap-t, tou
マッサージ >>> ma, clap-s, saaji
Answers of roaring: 1.pig 2.sheep 3.cat 4.cow