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  • 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

や[ja]

や(ya): Pronounced as "yah" (like "ya" in "yard"). や is Hiragana and ヤ is Katakana.

Pronunciation of Japanese [y]:

1. Mouth Position:

• Start by spreading your lips slightly, as if you're about to say the [i] sound (like in "see").

• The tongue should be placed close to the roof of your mouth, near the hard palate, but without touching it. It’s a gentle, smooth sound.

2. Tongue Position:

• For the [y] sound, the tongue should be raised toward the roof of the mouth but not touching it directly. It is a palatal sound, meaning it is articulated with the body of the tongue near the hard palate.

3. Sound:

• The sound is soft, similar to the [y] sound in the English word "yes". However, Japanese [y] sounds are often a bit more consistent and crisp than in English.

4. Comparing with English [y]:

• The Japanese [y] sound is close to the [y] in words like "you" or "yellow", but with a clearer and more consistent tongue position.

• English [y] can vary depending on accent, but Japanese [y] is always the same in terms of pronunciation.

A soft y sound is followed by あ(a).

Examples of words containing や
No.
Word
Pronunciation
Meaning
1 山 やま mountain
2 安い やすい cheap
3 野菜 やさい vegetables
4 優しい やさしい kind
5 約束 やくそく promise

Pronunciation

い[i]

Examples of words containing い
No.
Word
Pronunciation
Meaning

Pronunciation

ゆ[jɯ]

ゆ(yu): Pronounced as "yoo" (like "you"). ゆ is Hiragana and ユ is Katakana.

Pronunciation of Japanese [y]:

1. Mouth Position:

• Start by spreading your lips slightly, as if you're about to say the [i] sound (like in "see").

• The tongue should be placed close to the roof of your mouth, near the hard palate, but without touching it. It’s a gentle, smooth sound.

2. Tongue Position:

• For the [y] sound, the tongue should be raised toward the roof of the mouth but not touching it directly. It is a palatal sound, meaning it is articulated with the body of the tongue near the hard palate.

3. Sound:

• The sound is soft, similar to the [y] sound in the English word "yes". However, Japanese [y] sounds are often a bit more consistent and crisp than in English.

4. Comparing with English [y]:

• The Japanese [y] sound is close to the [y] in words like "you" or "yellow", but with a clearer and more consistent tongue position.

• English [y] can vary depending on accent, but Japanese [y] is always the same in terms of pronunciation.

A soft y sound is followed by う(u).

Examples of words containing ゆ
No.
Word
Pronunciation
Meaning
1 雪 ゆき snow
2 夢 ゆめ dream
3 痒い かゆい itchy
4 勇気 ゆうき courage
5 湯 ゆ hot water

Pronunciation

え[e]

Examples of words containing え
No.
Word
Pronunciation
Meaning

Pronunciation

よ[jo]

よ(yo): Pronounced as "yoh" (like "yo" in "yoga"). よ is Hiragana and ヨ is Katakana.

Pronunciation of Japanese [y]:

1. Mouth Position:

• Start by spreading your lips slightly, as if you're about to say the [i] sound (like in "see").

• The tongue should be placed close to the roof of your mouth, near the hard palate, but without touching it. It’s a gentle, smooth sound.

2. Tongue Position:

• For the [y] sound, the tongue should be raised toward the roof of the mouth but not touching it directly. It is a palatal sound, meaning it is articulated with the body of the tongue near the hard palate.

3. Sound:

• The sound is soft, similar to the [y] sound in the English word "yes". However, Japanese [y] sounds are often a bit more consistent and crisp than in English.

4. Comparing with English [y]:

• The Japanese [y] sound is close to the [y] in words like "you" or "yellow", but with a clearer and more consistent tongue position.

• English [y] can vary depending on accent, but Japanese [y] is always the same in terms of pronunciation.

A soft y sound is followed by お(o).

Examples of words containing よ
No.
Word
Pronunciation
Meaning
1 夜 よる evening
2 良い よい good
3 予算 よさん budget
4 給与 きゅうよ salary
5 予定 よてい schedule
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.

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Learn Japanese step by step 2

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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.