Skip to content
Exercises to master Japanese vowel devoicing visualisation

Exercises to master Japanese vowel devoicing

Mastering Challenging Japanese Sounds: A Comprehensive Guide: Exercises to master Japanese vowel devoicing
Learn with Comprenders App About Comprenders

To master Japanese vowel devoicing, it is important to understand when and how the devoicing occurs and practice with targeted exercises that focus on the devoicing of the vowels [i] and [ɯ] (u) in typical contexts.

What is Japanese Vowel Devoicing?

Japanese vowel devoicing commonly happens with the high vowels [i] and [ɯ] when they appear between or after voiceless consonants. For example, the vowels in “desu” (です) and “masu” (ます) are often devoiced, sounding almost like “des” and “mas” respectively. This devoicing can also happen between voiceless consonants or at the end of phrases, reducing vowel sound prominence without completely losing the consonant sounds around them. 1, 2

Exercises to Practice Vowel Devoicing

  1. Listening and Mimicking: Listen to native speakers carefully, especially focusing on words where devoicing typically occurs, such as です (desu), ます (masu), and other words with [i] or [ɯ] vowels between or after voiceless consonants. Repeat after them trying to replicate the devoicing effect by whispering or softening these vowels.
  2. Minimal Pairs Practice: Practice pairs of words where vowel devoicing changes the sound, for example, “chihō” (with a devoiced [i]) versus “chiryō” (without devoicing). Compare the vowel sounds and practice making the devoiced vowel almost silent or whispered while keeping the consonants clear. 1
  3. Syllable Reduction Drills: Take common phrases or words containing devoiced vowels and practice speaking them fast and naturally to promote natural devoicing. For example, repeat “desu,” “masu,” “suki,” “shita,” focusing on reducing the vowel sound.
  4. Record and Compare: Record own pronunciation and compare with native audio, identifying when the vowel is fully voiced or devoiced, and adjust accordingly.
  5. Practice with Sentences: Use sentences from lessons or audio sources where vowel devoicing is common, and try to imitate the devoicing pattern, such as “学校に行きます” (gakkō ni ikimasu) and “今日は日曜日です” (kyō wa nichiyōbi desu). 3

Mastering Japanese vowel devoicing takes targeted listening and repetition, focusing especially on the high vowels [i] and [ɯ] in contexts with voiceless consonants, and using native speaker models for practice. 2, 4, 1

If desired, audiovisual resources explaining and demonstrating vowel devoicing in depth are available, such as the YouTube explanation videos on Japanese vowel devoicing for more guided practice.

References

Open the App About Comprenders