イントネーション

• Reading: イントネーション
• Romaji: intoneeshon
• Pronunciation: /iɴ.to.neː.ɕoɴ/

Meaning

Intonation; the rise and fall of pitch in speech.

A katakana loanword from English 'intonation.' Used in language learning, linguistics, and everyday conversation about how someone speaks. Particularly relevant in Japanese, where pitch accent varies by region. Often discussed when comparing dialects or learning foreign languages.

Examples

1. 関西弁と標準語ではイントネーションが違う。 The intonation of Kansai dialect and standard Japanese is different.
2. 英語のイントネーションに気をつけて話す練習をした。 I practiced speaking with attention to English intonation.
3. イントネーションが変わるだけで意味が変わることがある。 Just changing the intonation can sometimes change the meaning.

Usage Guide

Context: language learning, linguistics, dialects

Tone: educational

Origin & History

From English 'intonation,' which derives from Medieval Latin 'intonare' (to thunder/sound). Adopted into Japanese as a linguistic and music term.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal