Logo
John's Language
    To language courses
  1. Home
  2. Language Studies
  3. Japanese Pronunciation
  • あ(a) column
  • か(ka) column
  • さ(sa) column
  • た(ta) column
  • な(na) column
  • は(ha) column
  • ま(ma) column
  • や(ya) column
  • ら(ra) column
  • わ(wa) column
  • が(ga) column
  • ざ(za) column
  • だ(da) column
  • ば(ba) column
  • ぱ(pa) column
  • 撥音(hatsuon)ん
  • 長音(chōon)
  • 促音(sokuon)

Pronunciation

ん[n]

The 撥音ん (n) in Japanese, commonly known as "n", is a special sound that stands alone as a syllable in the Hiragana and Katakana syllabaries. It is called the "nasal consonant" and is unique in that it doesn’t have a vowel attached to it, unlike other syllables. ん is Hiragana and ン is Katakana.

ん(n) Pronunciation:

• ん (n): Pronounced as "n" (like the n in "son").

ん is a nasal sound made by closing the vocal tract and letting air pass through the nose. It can take on different qualities depending on the surrounding sounds, but it is primarily pronounced as a simple n sound.

Usage:

1. ん can appear at the end of a word, or in the middle when used in a contraction (e.g., たん (tan) or しん (shin)).

2. The pronunciation of ん can slightly change based on the following sound:

• Before b, p, or m sounds, it’s pronounced more like [m] (e.g., 看板(kanban) – "signboard").

• Before d, t, or n sounds, it's pronounced like [n] (e.g., 剣道(kendō) – "kendo".

• Before k, g sounds, it’s pronounced as a more velar [ŋ] (e.g., 番号(bangō) – "number".

In Japanese, ん is an essential part of the language, frequently appearing at the end of words or within compounds, and plays a key role in grammar and word formation.

Examples of words containing ん
No.
Word
Pronunciation
Meaning
1 日本 にほん Japan
2 天気 てんき weather
3 散歩 さんぽ walk
4 電話 でんわ telephone
5 新聞 しんぶん newspaper
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.