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Nathan (Offline)
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Common Learner-Error Words - 06-21-2008, 03:38 AM

Got this idea from another thread. There are SEVERAL words in the Japanese language that have only slightly different sounds, much to the dismay of the Japanese learner.

I was just thinking a thread where we could look at them may be of some help to someone out there. I know sometimes it helps me remember the vocab.

To start:

かわいい (cute) // 怖い(こわい) -> scary! **This one has gotten me into some trouble

きれい (beautiful) // 嫌い (きらい) -> dislike **This one has gotten me into A LOT of trouble

いいえ (no) // 家 (いえ) -> house

ここ (here) // 高校 (こうこう) -> high school

Last edited by Nathan : 06-21-2008 at 03:40 AM.
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lizzey (Offline)
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06-21-2008, 03:43 AM

Great idea! Especially on the mistake I made on the other thread. It will help a lot. Once again thanks for correcting my mistake.

Last edited by lizzey : 06-21-2008 at 03:47 AM.
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06-21-2008, 06:03 AM

Another one I thought of;

Although the ット vs. the オド sounds are quite different, I used this word-pair to memorize the meanings.

ちょっと (a little bit) // ちょうど (exactly)
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06-21-2008, 08:04 AM

heres one that confused me slightly: 訳す(やくす)translate 約束(やくそく)promise
i thought promise was yakusu for quite a while :X
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06-22-2008, 05:54 AM

I made friends with a little short guy in Aso, Japan named Chiba and accidently called him Chibi. how ironic is that?
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06-22-2008, 06:12 AM

I'm sure he appreciated your newfound Japanese sense of humor!

Much like the Japanese all found the similarities between ネイサン and 姉さん hilarious =p

絵 (え) -> a painting // ええ -> causal way to say yes.
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06-22-2008, 06:17 AM

I often trip up and use Shiru (to know) instead of Wakaru (to understand).
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06-22-2008, 04:30 PM

What about

ame and ame

Wher is the emphasis for rain and candy?
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06-22-2008, 04:42 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Junsai View Post
What about

ame and ame

Wher is the emphasis for rain and candy?
Well each does have a different kanji, but never mind that.

飴 (あめ) = ame (candy). It should be pronounced exactly as you see it. No pitch changes or emphasis on any part of the word. It should be pronounced, "ah-meh".

雨 (あめ) = ame (rain). The emphasis should be put on the "a". In other words, it should be pronounced, "AH-meh", if that makes any sense.

Glad you asked about this one. I just recently learned the difference between these two.
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06-22-2008, 04:44 PM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ronin4hire View Post
I often trip up and use Shiru (to know) instead of Wakaru (to understand).
Ironically, I do the same thing. lol
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