Japanese Phonetics: An Overview of its Syllabary System

This lesson focuses on the phonetic signs used in the Japanese language. We will explore two of the main syllabaries used in Japanese writing—Hiragana and Katakana. These alphabets help you learn how to read and write Japanese by representing sounds composed of consonants and vowels.

Throughout this lesson, you will learn about the different types of sounds in Japanese and how they change. Here’s what we will cover:

  • Seion (Plain Sounds)
    You will start with the basic consonant-vowel combinations. These sounds form the building blocks of Japanese syllables and are essential for pronunciation.
  • Dakuon (Voiced Sounds)
    Next, you will learn how consonants become voiced sounds when combined with a special mark called ‘ten’ (゛). This change helps you pronounce compound and more complex words.
  • Handakuon (Semi-voiced Sounds)
    You will discover how the Handakuten mark (゜) adds softness to consonants, creating semi-voiced sounds. This makes it easier to pronounce words more naturally.
  • Yōon (Connected Sounds)
    Finally, you will learn about connected sounds, formed by combining consonants and vowel sounds. These sounds are common in loanwords and provide a more fluent way of speaking Japanese.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to read and pronounce both Hiragana and Katakana confidently. This knowledge will strengthen your foundation in Japanese and help you communicate more effectively!

Let’s begin the journey into understanding the sounds of Japanese!