A Guide to Japanese Phrases: Pronouncing ‘Ryokan’ Correctly
How should 'ryokan(旅館)’ be pronounced?
Many people learning Japanese, particularly English speakers, often find the pronunciation of “Ryokan" (traditional Japanese inn) a bit tricky. The sounds of “rya(りゃ)", “ryu(りゅ)", “りょ(ryo)" in Japanese can be challenging.
Step 1: Pronouncing “Ryo"
The first part, “ryo", is similar to the English “rio" (as in Rio de Janeiro).
However, this “R" sound is slightly different from the English “R". It a sound where the tip of your tongue lightly touches the upper gums, making a sound that falls somewhere between the English “R" and “L".
So, “ryo" may sound like “li-o", with no stress placed on “li", and the entire syllable pronounced at once.
Step 2: Pronouncing “kan"
Next is the “kan" part.
“Ka" sounds almost like “can" in English, but the “a" sound is more open, pronounced more like “ah", and the “n" resonates in the nose.
English speakers familiar with the Japanese language will sooner or later learn that Japanese people often find differentiating between “L" and “R" sounds difficult, but in reality, they are pronouncing both “L" and “R" in their daily lives.
Japanese people don’t need to differentiate them in their daily conversation. So, if you ask a Japanese person, “Is it 'ryo’ or 'lio’ for Ryokan?", you may find few who can clarify this for you. It’s not a significant issue for them.
The use of “R" in “Ryokan" is simply for alphabetic representation.
You may find the pronunciation of 'ryokan’ difficult at first, but with practice it will come naturally. If you have mastered the correct pronunciation, it will be easier for Japanese people to understand what you want to say when you speak to them.