Japanese Words with English Pronunciation222

Introduction

Learning Japanese can be an enriching and rewarding experience, but it can also be a bit daunting. One of the challenges that many learners face is the pronunciation of Japanese words. Unlike English, Japanese has a unique set of sounds and a specific way of pronouncing them. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to Japanese pronunciation, including a list of common Japanese words with their English pronunciations.

Japanese Pronunciation Rules

Before we dive into the list of words, let's take a quick look at some of the basic rules of Japanese pronunciation.
Vowels: Japanese has five vowels: a, i, u, e, o. They are pronounced similar to their English counterparts, but they are shorter and crisper.
Consonants: Most Japanese consonants are pronounced similarly to their English counterparts, with a few exceptions.

t/d: These consonants are pronounced with the tongue slightly forward, making a soft "tch" and "dj" sound.
s/z: These consonants are pronounced with a slightly raised tongue, creating a more sibilant sound.
n: The "n" sound in Japanese is often nasalized, similar to the sound of "ng" in English.

Mora: Japanese words are divided into units called mora. Each mora is a syllable or a part of a syllable, and it carries a specific tone. The mora plays a crucial role in Japanese pronunciation and rhythm.

Common Japanese Words with English Pronunciation

Now that you have a basic understanding of Japanese pronunciation, let's take a look at a list of common Japanese words with their English pronunciations.

Japanese Word
English Pronunciation
Meaning


ありがとう (arigatou)
ah-ree-gah-toh
Thank you


はい (hai)
high
Yes


いいえ (iie)
ee-yeh
No


すみません (sumimasen)
soo-mee-mah-sen
Excuse me


おはようございます (ohayou gozaimasu)
oh-hah-yoh goh-zai-mah-soo
Good morning


こんにちは (konnichiwa)
kon-nee-chee-wah
Hello


こんばんは (konbanwa)
kon-bahn-wah
Good evening


お元気ですか (o genki desu ka)
oh gen-kee deh-soo kah
How are you?


はい、元気です (hai, genki desu)
high, gen-kee deh-soo
I'm fine.


お名前は (o namae wa)
oh nah-mah-eh wah
What is your name?


日本語 (nihongo)
nee-hon-go
Japanese


東京 (Tokyo)
toh-kyoh
Tokyo


京都 (Kyoto)
kee-yoh-toh
Kyoto


富士山 (Fuji-san)
foo-jee-san
Mount Fuji


寿司 (sushi)
soo-shee
Sushi

Tips for Improving Japanese Pronunciation

Here are a few tips to help you improve your Japanese pronunciation:
Listen and imitate: The best way to learn Japanese pronunciation is to listen to native speakers and imitate their speech. Pay attention to the rhythm, intonation, and pitch of the language.
Practice regularly: Regular practice is key to improving your pronunciation. Aim to practice speaking Japanese for at least 15-20 minutes each day.
Use a pronunciation dictionary: There are many great pronunciation dictionaries available online and in print. These dictionaries can help you learn the correct pronunciation of words and phrases.
Get feedback: If possible, ask a native Japanese speaker or a qualified tutor to review your pronunciation and give you feedback.

Conclusion

Mastering Japanese pronunciation can take time and effort, but it is an essential aspect of learning the language. By understanding the basic rules of pronunciation and practicing regularly, you can improve your ability to speak and understand Japanese. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve a fluent and natural pronunciation.

2025-02-21

Previous：The Ultimate German Word List for Beginners: 30 Essential Words to Know

Next：Korean Word Pronunciation: A Comprehensive Guide