The Japanese language has a set of pronunciation rules that are very different from Western languages. Learning these rules is essential to understanding and speaking Japanese correctly. In this chapter, we'll explore some of the basic Japanese-specific pronunciation rules.
1. Pronunciation of Vowels
In Japanese, there are five vowels: a, i, u, e, o. Each has a unique pronunciation, regardless of where they appear in the word. The pronunciation of Japanese vowels is closer to Spanish vowels than English ones. For example, 'a' is pronounced like 'ah', 'i' like 'ee', 'u' like 'oo', 'e' like 'eh' and 'o' like 'oh'.
2. Consonant Pronunciation
Consonants in Japanese are usually followed by a vowel, forming a syllable. For example, 'ka', 'ki', 'ku', 'ke', 'ko'. There are some exceptions to this rule, like 'n' which can appear alone. Also, some consonants have different pronunciation depending on the vowel that follows them. For example, 'g' is pronounced like 'g' in 'cat' when followed by 'a', 'o' or 'u', but like 'j' in 'window' when followed by 'i' or 'e' .
3. Length of Syllables
In the Japanese language, the length of syllables is very important. A long syllable is marked by a stroke called 'chōonpu' and is twice as long as a short syllable. It can change the meaning of a word. For example, 'o' (お) means 'small', while 'ō' (おう) means 'big'.
4. Pronunciation of the 'R'
The pronunciation of the 'r' in Japanese is unique and can be difficult for speakers of other languages. It is not pronounced like the hard 'r' in Portuguese or the soft 'r' in English. Instead, it's a mixture of the 'r' and the 'l', pronounced with the tip of the tongue lightly touching the roof of the mouth.
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5. Double Sounds Pronunciation
Some Japanese words contain double sounds, marked by a small 'tsu' (っ) before the consonant. This indicates a pause before pronouncing the consonant. For example, 'matte' (待って), which means 'wait', is pronounced 'ma-tte', with a pause before the 't'.
6. 'N' pronunciation
The 'n' in Japanese, also known as Moraic 'n', can be pronounced differently depending on the sound that follows it. Before 'b', 'm' and 'p', it is pronounced as 'm'. Before 'k' and 'g', it is pronounced at the back of the mouth. When it appears at the end of a word, it is pronounced with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth, similar to the 'n' in 'song'.
Knowing and understanding these basic Japanese pronunciation rules is the key to fluency in the language. Practicing regularly and listening to native speakers can also help you improve your pronunciation. Remember, practice makes perfect!
