発音（はつおん、hatsuon）
- pronunciation

The Japanese word 発音 (はつおん, *hatsuon*) primarily means "pronunciation." It refers to the way a word or sound is spoken, encompassing the articulation of sounds, stress, and intonation. It's the act or manner of producing speech sounds. It can also refer to the act of "pronouncing" a word. The word focuses on the auditory aspect of language, how something sounds when spoken.

⚫︎日本語の発音 Translation: Japanese pronunciation ⚫︎彼女の英語の発音はとても上手です。 Translation: Her English pronunciation is very good. ⚫︎発音練習 Translation: Pronunciation practice

You use 発音 when discussing the way a word or language is spoken. It's used in contexts of language learning, speech therapy, linguistics, or when evaluating someone's speaking skills. It can be used to inquire about someone's ability to speak a language correctly or to assess a specific accent. For instance, you might use it to ask about someone's English 発音 or to practice your Japanese 発音.

発音 is typically written in kanji as 発音 and read as はつおん. The okurigana is standard, with no variation in the most common usage. It can also be written in hiragana はつおん especially for learners or when the context makes it clear.

There aren't many direct synonyms for 発音 in the same narrow sense. However, depending on context, the following words might be related: ⚫︎ 発声 (はっせい, *hassei*): Vocalization, utterance ⚫︎ 読み方 (よみかた, *yomikata*): Way of reading (can include pronunciation) ⚫︎ イントネーション (intoneeshon): Intonation ⚫︎ アクセント (akusento): Accent

There isn't a direct antonym. You might describe poor pronunciation with phrases like: ⚫︎ 不正確な発音 (ふせいかくなはつおん, *fuseikakuna hatsuon*): Incorrect pronunciation ⚫︎ 下手な発音 (へたなはつおん, *hetana hatsuon*): Poor pronunciation

日本語の発音を練習することが大切です。 ・Translation: It's important to practice Japanese pronunciation. ・Explanation: This sentence emphasizes the importance of practicing the way Japanese words are spoken.

彼の発音はまだ少しぎこちないですが、よく頑張っています。 ・Translation: His pronunciation is still a little awkward, but he's working hard. ・Explanation: This sentence assesses someone's current ability and praises the effort being made to improve.

発音 is a compound word formed from two kanji: 発 (*hatsu-*) which means "to emit, to start, to reveal," and 音 (*on*) which means "sound." So, literally, it implies the “emission of sound.”