Japanese pronunciation involves pitch accents that are categorized into high and low tones. When pronouncing words, it is important to check whether there is a drop point (a place where the pitch suddenly falls). For words with a drop point, each has its own specific position for that drop. Different pitch patterns require different pronunciation methods.
When a word has a drop point, it is indicated by the symbol “↓”.
When a word has no drop point, it is marked with the symbol “○” at the end.
★Pronunciation When Reading Words #
When reading a word, start with a low pitch and then gradually raise it. Maintain a high pitch until you encounter the ↓ symbol; at that point, the pitch drops. For words without a drop point (marked with ○), maintain a high pitch all the way to the end.
If the ↓ symbol appears on the very first mora of the word, start with a high pitch, then immediately lower it.
If the ↓ symbol appears at the end of the word, the pitch drops after that point. When reading the word alone, its pronunciation is the same as that of a word without a drop point. The audio includes both the standalone pronunciation and the version followed by “～です.”
Some words have a pause in the middle, after which the pitch rises again. In this case, the pause is marked with △.
When a single word can be pronounced in two acceptable ways, both options are listed separated by “／.”
★Pronunciation in Sentences #
When reading a sentence, start with a low pitch and gradually raise it. Maintain the high pitch until reaching the ↓ symbol, at which point the pitch begins to fall.
If a sentence has two or more drop points, the pitch drop at the first ↓ is larger, while subsequent drops are smaller.
If there is a pause in the sentence or a segment you want to emphasize (the focus part), the pitch rises again from that point.
In yes-no or interrogative sentences, the pitch rises at the end.
Pitch accent significantly influences the overall intonation of a sentence.
★How to Practice Pitch Accent #
When listening to audio, pay attention to the pitch patterns of each word. Then look at the pitch markings to confirm where the drop occurs. Think about how these pitch differences affect pronunciation.
When shadowing, be mindful of pitch changes as you mimic the sounds.
As you gradually understand the relationship between pitch and pronunciation, try to pay attention to pitch even when speaking sentences you create yourself.
If you can focus on pitch first and then speak, your pronunciation will sound more natural and easier to understand.