Count the sound beats
Keep long vowels, small っ, and ん distinct.
Japanese rhythm is organized around morae. A basic kana such as か is one mora; ん and small っ each occupy one mora. A long vowel takes two. A combination with small ゃ, ゅ, or ょ, such as きゃ, is one mora.
Pitch accent organizes relative high and low pitch across words, rather than using English stress or a fixed tone on every syllable. Word forms and regional varieties can differ. Reliable audio is more useful than invented accent marks.
Examples
How the words match
Tap a word in either language to see its partner. Some phrases work as a group; particles explain the grammar.
- おばさんobasanaunt / middle-aged woman
How the words match
Tap a word in either language to see its partner. Some phrases work as a group; particles explain the grammar.
- おばあさんobaasangrandmother / elderly womanThe long aa distinguishes this word from おばさん.
How the words match
Tap a word in either language to see its partner. Some phrases work as a group; particles explain the grammar.
- きってkittepostage stampSmall っ is a consonant hold before the t sound.
Keep in mind
Small っ is a consonant hold, not a full つ; short and long vowels are not interchangeable in grading.