sci.lang.japan FAQ / 7. Pronunciation

7.2. What is that small tsu at the end of a sentence?

Sometimes you see a small tsu (known as a sokuon) at the end of a sentence. This small tsu indicates a `glottal stop'. This means you use your epiglottis (the little flap that closes the pathway to your throat when you swallow) to stop the flow of air. The small tsu indicates a verbal `exclamation mark'. When a sentence ends abruptly, as in だまれっ (damare!, shut up!), it might be followed by a small tsu.

This `abrupt ending' sound is completely different from the sound of small tsu coming before another consonant, such as `s'.

See also 1.1.10. What is the small kana "tsu" used for?

sci.lang.japan FAQ / 7. Pronunciation

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