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  • 撥音(hatsuon)ん
  • 長音(chōon)
  • 促音(sokuon)

Pronunciation

あ[a]

The Japanese character あ is pronounced as "ah" (like the "a" in "father"). It represents the vowel sound a in the Japanese syllabary, あ is Hiragana and ア is Katakana.

Tips for Pronunciation:

1. Open your mouth naturally.

2. Relax your tongue and let the sound flow without tension.

3. Make a clean and soft "ah" sound.

This sound is foundational in Japanese, so mastering it will help with many other words and sounds.

Examples of words containing あ
No.
Word
Pronunciation
Meaning
1 雨 あめ rain
2 秋 あき autumn
3 試合 しあい game
4 幸せ しあわせ happiness
5 ドア ドア door

Pronunciation

い[i]

The Japanese character い is pronounced as "ee" (like the "ee" in "see" or "meet"). It represents the vowel sound i in the Japanese syllabary, い is Hiragana and イ is Katakana.

Tips for Pronunciation:

1. Stretch your lips slightly into a small smile, but keep it natural and relaxed.

2. Keep the sound long and steady, avoiding any diphthongs (don’t add a "y" sound like in "yeet").

3. Make the sound soft and even.

This is the second vowel in Japanese and is also essential for building words and phrases.

Examples of words containing い
No.
Word
Pronunciation
Meaning
1 家 いえ house
2 イカ イカ squid
3 教育 きょういく education
4 すいか すいか watermelon
5 近い ちかい close

Pronunciation

う[ɯ]

The Japanese character う is pronounced as "oo" (like the "oo" in "food" or "too"). It represents the vowel sound u in the Japanese syllabary, う is Hiragana and ウ is Katakana.

Tips for Pronunciation:

1. Round your lips slightly but don’t overdo it—keep them relaxed.

2. Let the sound come from the back of your mouth, smooth and steady.

3. Avoid making it overly rounded or stressed, like the "u" in "blue" in some English accents.

In Japanese, う is often soft and subtle, especially in casual speech or when it appears at the end of a word.

Examples of words containing う
No.
Word
Pronunciation
Meaning
1 運動 うんどう exercise
2 美味い うまい delicious
3 空気 くうき air
4 農業 のうぎょう agriculture
5 会う あう meet

Pronunciation

え[e]

The Japanese character え is pronounced as "eh" (like the "e" in "net" or "get"). It represents the vowel sound e in the Japanese syllabary, え is Hiragana and エ is Katakana.

Tips for Pronunciation:

1. Keep your mouth slightly open and your tongue relaxed.

2. Aim for a short, crisp sound without trailing off or adding any diphthongs (avoid making it like "ay").

3. Keep it smooth and even.

This vowel is straightforward and commonly used in Japanese words and phrases.

Examples of words containing え
No.
Word
Pronunciation
Meaning
1 偉い えらい great
2 絵 え picture
3 支援 しえん support
4 声 こえ voice
5 机 つくえ desk

Pronunciation

お[o]

The Japanese character お is pronounced as "oh" (like the "o" in "go" or "open"). It represents the vowel sound o in the Japanese syllabary, お is Hiragana and オ is Katakana.

Tips for Pronunciation:

1. Round your lips slightly and relax your jaw.

2. Produce a clear and steady "oh" sound without adding any diphthongs (don’t let it slide into "ow").

3. Keep the sound smooth and even, without stress.

Examples of words containing お
No.
Word
Pronunciation
Meaning
1 多い おおい many
2 青い あおい blue
3 気温 きおん temperature
4 顔 かお face
5 塩 しお salt
Course Image

Learn Japanese step by step 1

This structured course is designed for absolute beginners who want to systematically learn Japanese vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation in a clear, step-by-step manner. Starts with essential daily vocabulary (greetings, numbers, family, food, etc.) Teaches basic grammar patterns in a progressive order. Each lesson includes: Romanized pronunciation (romaji), Word-by-word meaning, Grammar explanation and Sentence formation practice.

Course Image

Learn Japanese step by step 2

Course Image

Greetings

These 100 Japanese greeting expressions cover many of the most commonly used phrases in daily life, business communication, social interactions, and formal situations. They include first meetings, self-introductions, expressions of gratitude, farewells, caring phrases, invitations, hospitality language, and seasonal greetings.

By learning these sentences, you can not only master practical and natural Japanese expressions, but also gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, which highly values politeness, respect for others, and harmonious communication. These phrases will be especially useful when traveling, working, studying abroad, or speaking with Japanese friends and colleagues.

It is recommended to practice them aloud in real-life contexts and pay attention to differences in formality. With continued study, your Japanese speaking ability, communication skills, and natural fluency will improve significantly.

    Course Image

    Learn Japanese step by step 1

    This structured course is designed for absolute beginners who want to systematically learn Japanese vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation in a clear, step-by-step manner. Starts with essential daily vocabulary (greetings, numbers, family, food, etc.) Teaches basic grammar patterns in a progressive order. Each lesson includes: Romanized pronunciation (romaji), Word-by-word meaning, Grammar explanation and Sentence formation practice.

    Course Image

    Learn Japanese step by step 2

    Course Image

    Greetings

    These 100 Japanese greeting expressions cover many of the most commonly used phrases in daily life, business communication, social interactions, and formal situations. They include first meetings, self-introductions, expressions of gratitude, farewells, caring phrases, invitations, hospitality language, and seasonal greetings.

    By learning these sentences, you can not only master practical and natural Japanese expressions, but also gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, which highly values politeness, respect for others, and harmonious communication. These phrases will be especially useful when traveling, working, studying abroad, or speaking with Japanese friends and colleagues.

    It is recommended to practice them aloud in real-life contexts and pay attention to differences in formality. With continued study, your Japanese speaking ability, communication skills, and natural fluency will improve significantly.

      Course Image

      Learn Japanese step by step 1

      This structured course is designed for absolute beginners who want to systematically learn Japanese vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation in a clear, step-by-step manner. Starts with essential daily vocabulary (greetings, numbers, family, food, etc.) Teaches basic grammar patterns in a progressive order. Each lesson includes: Romanized pronunciation (romaji), Word-by-word meaning, Grammar explanation and Sentence formation practice.

      Course Image

      Learn Japanese step by step 2

      Course Image

      Greetings

      These 100 Japanese greeting expressions cover many of the most commonly used phrases in daily life, business communication, social interactions, and formal situations. They include first meetings, self-introductions, expressions of gratitude, farewells, caring phrases, invitations, hospitality language, and seasonal greetings.

      By learning these sentences, you can not only master practical and natural Japanese expressions, but also gain a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, which highly values politeness, respect for others, and harmonious communication. These phrases will be especially useful when traveling, working, studying abroad, or speaking with Japanese friends and colleagues.

      It is recommended to practice them aloud in real-life contexts and pay attention to differences in formality. With continued study, your Japanese speaking ability, communication skills, and natural fluency will improve significantly.