Top: Introduction and Contents >> 8. Pronunciation

• Previous: 8.3. What is rōmaji `r' really?
• Next: 8.5. Differences between Japanese and English pronunciations

8.4. What parts of Japanese are difficult for English speakers to pronounce?

• The tsu in tsunami (tidal wave), especially at the beginning of a word.
• Rōmaji r is not English `r'. See 8.3. What is rōmaji `r' really? .
• Words like hyakutake, the name of a comet, are difficult because there are no English words that have a consonant followed by a `y' sound and a vowel in the same syllable, unless the vowel is `u'. So hyakutake may come out like hiyakutake.
• Japanese pitch accent.
• Japanese short and long vowels.
• Distinguishing between the `n' in kon'yaku (engagement to be married) and in kon'nyaku (a jelly-like foodstuff).

TO DO #47: priority: medium: Add some information about how to pronounce the Japanese sounds which are difficult for English speakers.

Copyright (c) 1994-2006 Ben Bullock

Questions? Corrections? Comments? Contact: benkasminbullock@gmail.com