When to say the “u” in Japanese?
Author: Richard
Q: Hi Richard!
I have a question. (I hope you understand my bad english)
How do I know when I speak Japanese if I have to speak the ‘u’ and when not?
Becouse, I watched some movies (the great ones from Hayao Miyazaki! =D ) and sometimes you hear the ‘u’ but mosty not.
Like ‘suki’ you say ski.
So actually I just want to know how the grammar of the ‘u’ works.
I hope you can give me the answhere!
Sayounara,
Marina
A: Hi Marina,
Usually when you are talking it’s quite soft, almost silent. But of course you can make it stronger for more emphasis e.g. a great big ohayou gozaimasUUUUU in the morning if you’d have way too much coffee.
Again I’m afraid I’m going to have to say to forget the grammar rule (there isn’t one!) and just listen to lots of people talking! You’ll pick it up without even realising it.
It’s like asking “when do you New Yorkers pronounce the “t” in the middle of a word and when not!” Over there (and in Northen England) we hardly ever say it, but just sometimes we do to keep you on your toes!
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