Hi everyone, I'm Michelle Yamamoto.

Welcome back to the alternate Japanese pronunciation guide.

In this lesson, you'll learn the top 5 Japanese pronunciation mistakes to avoid.

Number 1. Shortening Long Vowels

Saying Japanese long vowels correctly is an issue of timing.

You can use claps to measure time from syllable to syllable.

For example, the Japanese word for grandmother exemplifies the long vowel Japanese.

Listen closely for it.

Oba-san. The a in ba is held for two claps.

Oba-san. Japanese learners often shorten the long vowel in ba and say,

Oba-san meaning aunt, not grandmother.

In this case, not only is the pronunciation incorrect,

but by shorting the vowel, you change the meaning of the word.

Hear the difference again.

Oba-san, grandmother. Oba-saun, Oba-san grandmother Oba-san

Oba-sang

Oba-sang

Oba-san

aunt

O'bā-sang

This is an important

but not critical topic for early learners

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