How to Stop Using Katakana When Speaking English
Break Free from カタカナ英語 and Sound More Natural!
If you're a Japanese speaker learning English, chances are you've used katakana to help with pronunciation. While katakana can be a helpful starting point, it often leads to habits that make your English sound unnatural. So how can you move beyond it?
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Listen to Real English—A Lot
Katakana English is based on Japanese sounds, which are very different from English ones. To get used to how English really sounds, listen to native materials daily—podcasts, YouTube videos, movies, or even songs. Try to mimic the rhythm and intonation. -
Use the IPA, Not Katakana
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) shows how English words are actually pronounced. For example, "coffee" is /ˈkɔː.fi/, not コーヒー. Apps like Forvo or dictionaries with audio can help. -
Practice Shadowing
Shadowing means repeating right after the speaker without looking at the text. This helps you copy natural pronunciation and flow. Start with short clips, slow the audio if needed, and mimic as closely as possible. -
Train Specific Sounds
Some English sounds don’t exist in Japanese, like “th” (/θ/), “v”, or the difference between “r” and “l”. Practice them in front of a mirror or with pronunciation tools like Elsa Speak or YouGlish. -
Avoid Translating in Your Head
Try not to think, “How do I say this in katakana?” Instead, build a direct connection between the English sound and its meaning. Think in English as much as you can—even if it’s just short phrases.
Final Tip: Speak out loud—even if you’re alone. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Progress happens through consistent, small changes.
Drop the katakana, and let your real English voice shine!