Therese Sta. MariaLearning a new language is one thing, but training ourselves to pronounce proper nouns a certain way is another challenge. Sometimes, we may not even know about the proper pronunciations until we actually immerse ourselves in the new culture. And since a lot of TripZilla readers have a fondness for Japan, we thought it’d be helpful if we informed you about these often mispronounced Japanese brands!
1. Studio Ghibli
Image credit: Alex Rerh
In English, “Ghibli” can actually be pronounced the way it’s read or as “Jibli.” But the Japanese pronounce it as “Jiburi” where the “u” is only slightly heard. So in case you’re making your way to the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, be sure to pronounce it correctly when asking for directions. Locals never pronounce Studio Ghibli in the English way, which is why you have to remember how the Japanese pronounce Studio Ghibli. This will avoid confusion!
2. Nintendo
Image credit: Branden Skeli
When it comes to pronouncing Nintendo, English speakers usually put the emphasis on “ten.” On the other hand, the Japanese way of pronouncing this brand puts the accent on the first syllable, “Nin.” Try saying Nintendo while prolonging “Nin,” then pronouncing the rest of the syllables normally after that. You’ve got it from there!
3. Muji
Image credit: Chintya Akemi Keirayuki
Next on this list of mispronounced Japanese brands is none other than the beloved household store Muji. We know — how can someone mispronounce something as simple as “Muji”? Well, it makes more sense when you find out that “Muji” was derived from the longer name “Mujirushi Ryohin,” meaning “no brand, high quality goods.” So in Japan, the locals actually say “Mujirushi,” instead of the shortcut. “Mujirushi” is pronounced as “moo-ji-roo-shi.”
Also read: 27 Best Things to Buy at Muji Stores in Asia
4. Toyota
Image credit: Christina Telep
One of the most mispronounced Japanese brands in the world is definitely Toyota, where native English speakers would simply say the name quickly. But in Japanese, the first two syllables “to” and “yo” are prolonged for two seconds and pronounced as “toh” and “yoh” respectively.
Trivia: If you’re Filipino, the way we pronounce “toyo” (soy sauce) is actually very close to how “toyo” in Toyota should be pronounced.
5. Asics
Image credit: Hipkicks
You’d never expect that Asics would be the most mispronounced out of all the Japanese brands in the world. Native English speakers might pronounce it as “basics” without the “B” or even “ah-sics,” which is closer to the proper pronunciation — but both are wrong.
Its accurate pronunciation based on Japanese phonetics is “ashikkusu.” Remember that in Japanese, “a” is pronounced as “ah.” That will come in handy if you want to be fluent and encounter more Japanese names that might confuse you.
And if you want to hear these words pronounced by a native Japanese speaker, we highly recommend you watch the YouTube channel of George Japan. Below, see his video which inspired this article. He also talks about the history of the aforementioned mispronounced Japanese brands!
Featured image credit: Jack Zhang | Unsplash
