Translation guide
A system where word meanings are distinguished by the pitch pattern of syllables. Japanese uses pitch accent, not stress accent like English. The pitch can be high or low, and the pattern can change meaning.
Referring to the system of pitch patterns in Japanese that distinguish words
Standard term for 'pitch accent' in linguistics. Literally 'high-low accent'.
Japanese is a language with pitch accent.
Loanword from English, commonly used in linguistic contexts.
Research on pitch accent has advanced in recent years.
Talking about the pitch pattern of a particular word, like 'the pitch accent of 箸'
In everyday conversation about Japanese, 'アクセント' often refers to pitch accent pattern. Context makes it clear.
'Hashi' (bridge) and 'hashi' (chopsticks) have different pitch accents.
Literally 'high and low', used to describe the pitch pattern of a word.
Referring to the visual representation of pitch accent, like in dictionaries
Accent symbols or marks used to indicate pitch patterns.
The dictionary shows accent marks.
English uses stress accent (emphasizing a syllable with loudness and length), while Japanese uses pitch accent (high and low tones). Be careful not to confuse the terms when explaining to Japanese speakers.
Many native speakers use pitch accent naturally but may not know the term or be able to explain it. In casual conversation, 'アクセント' might be understood as 'pronunciation' in general.
この単語の高低を覚えてください。
Please remember the pitch pattern of this word.