Words with Long Vowels in Japanese303

Japanese is a language that is known for its rich and complex sound system. One of the most distinctive features of Japanese phonology is the use of long vowels. Long vowels are vowels that are held for a longer period of time than short vowels. They are often represented in Japanese writing with a macron (ー) over the vowel. For example, the word "a" (あ) is a short vowel, while the word "ā" (あー) is a long vowel.

Long vowels play an important role in Japanese grammar and vocabulary. They can be used to change the meaning of words, or to distinguish between different grammatical forms. For example, the word "hana" (flower) has a short vowel, while the word "hāna" (nose) has a long vowel. The difference in vowel length can change the meaning of the word.

There are three types of long vowels in Japanese: pure long vowels, diphthongs, and nasalized vowels. Pure long vowels are vowels that are held for a longer period of time than short vowels, but do not have any other phonetic characteristics. Diphthongs are vowels that start with one sound and end with another sound. Nasalized vowels are vowels that are pronounced with the nasal passage open.

The following table shows the different types of long vowels in Japanese:

Type
Symbol
Example

Pure long vowel
ー
あー (ā)

Diphthong
い (i) + う (u)
いー (ī)

Nasalized vowel
ん (n) + あ (a)
あーん (ān)

Long vowels are an important part of Japanese phonology. They play a role in grammar and vocabulary, and they can also be used to create different phonetic effects. By understanding the different types of long vowels, learners of Japanese can improve their pronunciation and comprehension.

Tips for pronouncing long vowels* Hold the vowel for a longer period of time than you would a short vowel.
* Make sure to pronounce the vowel clearly and distinctly.
* Don't diphthongize the vowel (i.e., don't let it slide into another vowel sound).
* Nasalize the vowel if it is a nasalized vowel.

Examples of words with long vowels* あー (ā) - ah
* いー (ī) - ee
* うー (ū) - oo
* えー (ē) - eh
* おー (ō) - oh
* あい (ai) - eye
* いい (ii) - eee
* うい (ui) - we
* えい (ei) - ay
* おい (oi) - oh-ee
* あう (au) - ow
* いう (iu) - ew
* うう (uu) - ooh
* えう (eu) - eh-oo
* おう (ou) - oh-oo
* あん (an) - ah-n
* いん (in) - ee-n
* うん (un) - oo-n
* えん (en) - eh-n
* おん (on) - oh-n