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Here`s a basic article on proper pronunciation.
A,I,U,E,O These are the basic Japanese vowels(yes only 5!)
"A"`s pronunciation is as in bat.
If the "A" is a long vowel then I will write it like so "Ah".
Exemple; Nani = What
Nahni = Is a more polite way to say what.
"I"`s pronunciation is as in me.
If the "I" is a long vowel then I will write it like so "Ih".
Exemple; Okashi = Sweets
Okashih = Strange/Funny
"U"`s pronunciation is as in you.
If the "U" is a long vowel then I will write it like so "Uh".
Exemple; Bu = part/section
Yuh = A Japanese name.
"E"`s pronunciation is as in way.
If the "E" is a long vowel then I will write it like so "Eh".
Exemple; Se = Size
Seh = fault(eg. my fault).
"O"`s pronunciation is as in no.
If the "O" is a long vowel then I will write it like so "oh".
Exemple; Arigatoh = Thanks
ato = later(as in after an event)
*Note that Japanese actually write "ou" instead of "oh"
There are two other "vowels" which are more like 2 vowels put together to make a new
sound. They are:
"Ai" that sounds like "I" (I love you) and "Oi" that sounds like "boy".
Other things to consider;
"R" is actually pronunced like L. "Aligatoh" is closer then saying "Arigatoh" with
an English R. The closest pronunciation is a soft Spanish "r".
"S" is always pronunced "s" as in sit.
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