Notes on Japanese Pronunciation
All vowel sounds
are always identical, and consonant sounds are the same as English.
Sound of "L" sound and "R"
should always be the same, and pronounced quickly, with the tongue
fluttering off the mouth's upper palate. It is the beginning
sound of a rolling "R" as heard in Mediterranean
languages, a very fast "r-uh" with the tongue
flip at the end of the "r" of "r-uh."
The jaw does not move, the pitch of the voice does not change,
and the quick flip of the tongue from the upper teeth and palate
to the flat position in the lower jaw is what makes the sound.
You never hear a true English "L", "R"
or "V" sound in Japanese. The only compliment
to "V" in Japanese is the "B"
sound. Vowel sounds are easy to remember:
A is always sounded sharply and
distinctly as in "aah" like "Ra."
E is always sounded as a
blend of "eh" as in "Beth" and
"ey" as in "hey."
I is always sounded
sharply
and distinctly as "e" as in "Be."
O is the typical "oh"
sound, like in "hello."
U is always sounded
as "ooh," as in "you."
Practice these sounds enough times and you will be speaking the
words very near to perfection.
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