In this lesson, we will learn long vowels and small “っ”.
Long vowels
As you already know, Japanese has 5 vowels. Sometimes they become long vowels, which are doubled in length.
How do we know that?
We add one more vowel. Here is the examples.
あcolumn : “あ” is added.
おかあさん (mother) “か” is lengthen like “ka-a”.
おばあさん (grand mother)
cf. おばさん (aunt) short あvowel
いcolumn : “い” is added.
おにいさん (elder brother) “に” is lengthen like “ni-i”.
おじいさん (grand father)
cf. おじさん (uncle) short いvowel
うcolumn : “う” is added.
ふうふ (married couple)
ゆうめいな (famous)
え column : Normally “い” is added but there are some exceptions you have to add “え”
れいぞうこ (refrigerator)
がくせい (student)
exceptions:
おねえさん (elder sister)
ええ (yes)
“お” column: Normally “う” is added but there are some exceptions you have to add “お”
おとうさん (father)
いもうと (younger sister)
おとうと (younger brother)
exceptions:
おおきい (big)
おおい (many)
とおい (far)
Small “っ”
Small “っ” means a pause. You don’t read it. Hold your breath and be silent.
Here is some examples.
きっぷ (ticket)
がっこう (school)
あさって (the day after tomorrow)
Quiz
Please read aloud these words.
えいが (movie)
おべんとう (lunch box)
きのう (yesterday)
おおきい (big)
いいえ (no)
ふうとう (envelope)
きって (postage stamp)
ざっし (magazine)
にっき (diary)
Superb! You have finished long vowels and small “っ”!
Hiragana Learning Course contents
8 Reasons why you should learn Hiragana
More Hiragana Letters – Dakuon and Handakuon
Some More Hiragana Letters – Long Vowels and Small “っ” (this post)
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