Help pronouncing the Japanese r
This might be a difficult question to answer online... But I think it's worth asking anyway!
Can anyone give me any tips or drills to help me pronounce words with らりるれろ in Japanese? I was told by my teacher to make a sound between an English l and r sound, but whenever I try it myself, I somehow end up making an English g sound instead.

Question

Answer

Your tongue is too far back in your mouth if you are making a g sound. Your tongue should be near the front of your mouth (behind your top front teeth). And the best way to describe it is a cross between an English r and l. Just keep trying. Listen to native speakers and try to imitate them until your tongue is more comfortable with the new position.

Answer

This is a great video explaining where to put your tongue when saying Japanese R :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2wzUuGm7yw

Answers · 2

Still haven’t found your answers?

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!