発音

• Reading: はつおん
• Romaji: hatsuon
• Kanji breakdown: 発 (hatsu/ta) — emit, discharge; 音 (on/oto) — sound
• Pronunciation: /ha.tsɯ.oɴ/

Meaning

Pronunciation. The way words or sounds are spoken aloud.

Functions as both a noun and a する verb. Commonly used in language-learning contexts. The する verb form 発音する means 'to pronounce.' Often paired with words like いい (good) or きれい (clean/clear) to describe pronunciation quality.

Examples

1. 日本語の発音は難しいですか。 Is Japanese pronunciation difficult?
2. この単語の発音を教えてください。 Please teach me how to pronounce this word.
3. 毎日練習すれば発音がよくなります。 If you practice every day, your pronunciation will improve.

Usage Guide

Context: language learning, education, conversation

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 発 (emit, discharge) and 音 (sound). Literally 'emitting sound,' describing the production of speech sounds.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal