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Two Methods:Copying an American AccentCopying a Bostonian Accent

For English speakers, the "r" sound in Japanese is more difficult than even the French "r" sound. That is, if you make it too complicated in learning it. On the contrary, it is extremely easy once you know the trick

Method 1 of 2: Copying an American Accent

  1. 1
    Say the word "butter" or "honey" in an American accent. Notice that the tt and n in these and similar words actually is the sound of a particularly solid flipped r.
  2. 2
    Simply teach yourself how to say this on stresses syllables (every syllable in Japanese), because this sound is just found in unstressed ones in English.

Method 2 of 2: Copying a Bostonian Accent

  1. 1
    Say the word "potter."
  2. 2
    Say it in a Bostonian accent. You have just said the Japanese word "para."
  3. 3
    Keep saying it. Notice the way your mouth is positioned and how your tongue moves.
  4. 4
    Isolate the sound and apply it to other words.


  • It helps immensely to "smile" slightly when pronouncing Japanese "ra". "Smile" here means to widen the lips, as you do when you are about to brush your teeth with the teeth clenched. Somehow, the slight widening of the mouth gives the "ra" sound more snap, making it sound more like true Japanese.
  • It takes a little practice. Some believe it helps to try it in front of a mirror.

Sources and Citations

  • Human Japanese app

Article Info

Categories: Stub | Japanese

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