Wado Ryu Japanese
Pronunciation Guide |
 |
Contrary
to what many perceive, the Japanese language is one of the easiest languages
to learn to speak correctly. For those of us who train in the first truly Japanese
style of karatedo, learning the basics of Japanese, or Nihon, should
be as actively practiced -on and off the dojo floor- as the basic techniques
of Wado itself. By learning basic pronunciation, we not only add to our
knowledge of the culture and country that gave
birth to the art we practice,
but in doing so, we show our respect for its origins and those willing to
share its secrets with those of us outside its borders.
Japanese
is essentially syllabic; which means that words are broken into
individual syllables, much the same as those languages westerners are
perhaps more familiar with. However, the inherent problem we westerners have
with Japanese words is not in their syllables -- it's with their vowels;
and once you get past those differences, you'll be on your way to correct
pronunciation! So, as you explore and familiarize yourself with our Budo and
Karatedo terminology, use the following vowel guide to aid you in your
pronunciation.
VOWEL
PRONUNCIATION
a)
Pronounced: ah. Example: rajah
e)
Pronounced: eh -- as a short ay sound. Example: met
i)
Pronounced: ee. Example: see
o)
Pronounced: oh. Example: no
u)
Pronounced: oo. Example: cool
COMMONLY
USED VOWEL-CONSONANT COMBINATIONS
ai)
Pronounced: eye
ei)
Pronounced: ayee
tsu)
Pronounced: dzoo
ite)
Pronounced: eetay
chi)
Pronounced: chee
ADDITIONAL
PRONUNCIATION REMINDERS
The letter 'g'
is always pronounced hard -- as in the word go.
The letter 'j'
is always pronounced soft -- as in the word jump
When used as
the last letter, and when following the letter 's', the letter 'u' is not
emphasized. For example; the word jutsu is pronounced, 'joots', leaving
off the sound of the vowel 'u' at the end.
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