When do you say the 'u'?

[Kikitjah]

Well, I don't know if it has a rule but I'm wondering about it for quite some time now.

Sometimes you say 'u' in a word, and sometimes you write it, but don't say it.

For example: itadakimasu doesn't pronounce 'u', but oyasumi you do say the 'u'. (at least I think so, or does it just sound like you pronounce it?)

Well, hope it's clear what I mean, don't really know how to explain it properly.

[MMM]

At the end of a word that ends in "~masu" or "desu" you usually don't hear the "u". Other than that, you will.

[Kikitjah]

Oh..

I was already thinking that it had something to do with 'u' standing at the end of a word... Now I'm sure

Thanks!

[CoolNard]

So is it optional to devoice vowels like "u", at the end of those words? I also read somewhere that the deliberate voicing of such vowels is associated with being feminine.

What about "kutsu"? Is the "u" pronounced?

[Hatredcopter]

Originally Posted by CoolNard

I also read somewhere that the deliberate voicing of such vowels is associated with being feminine.

Yes, that's generally true. As for kutsu, the final 'u' would be voiced. As MMM said, the devoicing usually takes place in '~masu' or '~desu'. There are a few other words that devoice also, and there's really no way of telling which ones do or do not - your best bet is to just pronounce the 'u' sound. Words like 'futatsu' (two) sometimes devoices the final 'u' sound.

[CoolNard]

Originally Posted by Hatredcopter

Yes, that's generally true. As for kutsu, the final 'u' would be voiced. As MMM said, the devoicing usually takes place in '~masu' or '~desu'. There are a few other words that devoice also, and there's really no way of telling which ones do or do not - your best bet is to just pronounce the 'u' sound. Words like 'futatsu' (two) sometimes devoices the final 'u' sound.

Ah, thanks loads. That makes sense... Kinda... xD I'll bear that in mind. I just hope I don't embarass myself while trying

[MMM]

If you aren't sure, then leave it in. If you overemphasize the "u" at the end of "~masu" verbs or "desu" then it can sound a little feminine, or cutesy.

It is always pronounced with nouns like "kutsu", "tonkatsu", "fugu", etc.

[anrakushi]

although you will here some japanese drop it on some words like 豚カツ (tonkatsu) but i would say best is to just follow the rule of pronouncing it for everything except です／ます (desu/masu)

[DragonShade]

I think its kawaii to emphasize the u in desu or masu, so cute, XD

[kittykyo]

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