Practice

A rotating set of pronunciation drills. Today leans on Japanese for English-speaking learners.

  • The small っ (sokuon)

    っ is a hold / glottal pause that doubles the next consonant.

    • ちょっと is cho-t-to, not choto.
    • If you skip っ, 来て (kite) and 切って (kitte) collapse.
    • Shadow clips and freeze for that tiny pause.
    Practice “ちょっと”

  • Nuance: さすが

    Dictionaries say 'as expected' — real use is closer to impressed recognition.

    • You praise that someone lived up to their reputation.
    • Tone can be warm, not sarcastic, unless the context is teasing.
    • Watch several speakers and note facial timing with the word.
    Practice “さすが”

  • English TH vs Japanese サ/ザ

    If Japanese is your target, this contrast still helps you hear English guests in JP videos.

    • θ is tongue between teeth, no voice (think, thought).
    • ð is the same place with voice (this, the).
    • Japanese す/ず are not substitutes — listen for the difference.
    Practice “thought”

  • Devoicing です and ます

    Polite endings often whisper the u — that's native, not lazy.

    • です can sound like des.
    • ます can sound like mas.
    • Don't over-pronounce u the way English 'moose' does.
    Practice “ありがとうございます”