TonePerfect for Japanese

Japanese pronunciation guides

The Japanese sounds learners get stuck on, each explained the way a teacher would: what your mouth is doing wrong, and what to do instead.

How to pronounce the Japanese R (ら・り・る・れ・ろ)
The Japanese r is a single tongue tap, not an English r and not an l. Exactly where the tongue goes, how to practice it, and the words to drill it in.
Long vs short vowels in Japanese: why おばさん is not おばあさん
In Japanese a held vowel is a different word. How long vowels are written, how to hold them for a full beat, and the words that catch learners out.
The small っ in Japanese: how to say a beat of silence
The small っ is a full beat where nothing comes out. How to time the pause, what to do with your mouth during it, and words to drill it in.
How to pronounce つ in Japanese (the ts sound at the start of a beat)
English never starts a word with ts, so learners drop the t and say "su". How to build つ from the end of "cats", and the words to practice it in.
Best apps for Japanese pronunciation in 2026
An honest comparison of Japanese pronunciation tools — Duolingo, Pimsleur, italki, WaniKani, Forvo, OJAD and TonePerfect — and what each is for.

All about Japanese pronunciation →