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Japanese Consonants: ら行, つ, し, ふ — How to Say the Hard Sounds Correctly
Japanese has several consonant sounds that don't exist in English — and some English sounds that Japanese doesn't use. This guide focuses on the 5 sounds that trip up English speakers the most: ら-row, つ, し, ふ, and the voiced/unvoiced... -
っ and ん: How to Pronounce Japanese Double Consonants and the N-Mora
Two of the most mispronounced elements in Japanese are っ (small tsu) and ん (n). They each take a full mora — a unit of time — but produce no vowel sound. This guide explains exactly how to pronounce them correctly. CharacterNameDuratio... -
Japanese Pitch Accent: A Beginner’s Guide to High and Low Tones
Japanese uses pitch accent — not stress accent like English. The same sounds can mean completely different things depending on which syllable is high or low. This guide covers the basics English speakers need to understand pitch accent. ... -
Japanese Vowels: How to Pronounce あいうえお Correctly
Japanese has just 5 vowels — but English speakers almost always mispronounce them. Unlike English vowels, Japanese vowels are pure and consistent: they never change sound. Once you nail the 5 vowels, your entire Japanese pronunciation im... -
Japanese Dining Out Phrases
Dining out in Japan is an unforgettable experience — but knowing what to say at each step makes it even smoother. This guide covers every phrase you need from walking through the door to paying the bill. StepKey PhraseTranslationEnterHea... -
Japanese Job Interview Phrases: What to Say from Arrival to Close
A Japanese job interview (就職面接) has very specific language conventions. Using the right phrases — and avoiding casual language — can significantly impact how you're perceived. This guide covers the essential expressions from arrival ... -
Japanese Small Talk: Topics, Phrases, and How to Keep the Conversation Going
Small talk in Japanese isn't just idle chatter — it builds relationships and shows cultural awareness. This guide covers the topics Japanese people commonly talk about, the phrases to use, and what to avoid. TopicCommon OpeningNotesWeath... -
Japanese Transportation Phrases: Trains, Buses, and Taxis
Japan's train and transportation system is world-class — but navigating it requires specific Japanese phrases. This guide covers what to say at ticket machines, on platforms, and in taxis. SituationKey PhraseTranslationAsk for a ticket〜... -
Expressing Feelings and Emotions in Japanese: Natural Phrases and Empathy
Expressing how you feel in natural Japanese is more than just saying 「嬉しい」or「悲しい」. This guide covers emotional expressions, empathy phrases, and how to respond when someone shares their feelings — the way native speakers actual... -
Japanese Shopping Phrases: Browse, Buy, and Pay with Confidence
Shopping in Japan has its own language — from entering a store to paying and receiving change. This guide covers everything you need to navigate Japanese shops, department stores, and markets with confidence. SituationExpressionTranslati...
