Chapter 3: Hiragana & Pronunciation

Question 1

What is a small tsu called?

Answer 1

sokuon or chiisai tsu

Question 2

What does a small tsu represent?

Answer 2

It represents s doubled or germinated consonant

Question 3

What can small tsu not be used for?

Answer 3

It can’t be used to double the na, ni, nu, ne, no syllables

Question 4

What do you do to double the na, ni, nu, ne, no syllables?

Answer 4

You add the singular n (ん) in front of the syllable

Question 5

Why is it important to hold long vowels long enough?

Answer 5

So there won’t be misunderstandings; there are familiar words that differ only by the length of the vowels

Question 6

Digraphs

Answer 6

2 sounds placed together

Question 7

Do the yōon and kana have the same length in pronunciation?

Answer 7

Yes; the sound of yōon is exactly as long as the kana

Question 8

Are digraphs beginning with ji (chi) and じ read the same?

Answer 8

Yes, they’re read exactly the same

Question 9

When are most vowels commonly dropped?

Answer 9

The u in す and i in し

• It’s safe to drop the u in す when it appears at the end of the sentence
• Always try to conform to native speakers