Tip #13 How to pronounce the tsu syllable in Japanese

From Learn Japanese Now!

By Makurasuki Sensei, Brett McCluskey

Of the 46 syllables in the Japanese syllabary, there are three that are mispronounced
frequently by native English speakers. The focus of this mini lesson is on one of the
more difficult syllables to pronounce in the Japanese Language, namely the tsu syllable.
The way you go about conquering the pronunciation of words that contain tsu or begin or
end with the syllable tsu requires a little cleverness, patience and of course consistent
practice. The pronunciation is not that difficult but can be comprehended by using two
English words to pluck out, if you will the pronunciation. Two English words that are
elided together, like in the following phrase eight suits gives a close approximation of the
sound of tsu in Japanese say the following out loud

eight suits, eight suits, eight suits, eight suits, eight suits, eight suits

Now say loud a couple more times and concentrate on the elision that occurs between the
words eight and suits. Say it faster and faster until you can feel the tsu come out of eigh –
tsu- its The correct or nearest equivalent that native English speakers of Japanese can get
to saying the tsu syllable is taking the t from the eight and adding the su in the previous
example. Practice with your newly acquired, authentic sounding, near native
pronunciation, the following words containing tsu

Tsuitachi – 20th of the month

Tsuyuu – the rainy season
Itsu? – when?
Hachimitsu –honey
Itsutsu – 5 counter
Itsumo – always
Motsuaruto –mozart
Etc.

Ganbatte ne. Do your Best

McCluskey Sensei, yori