First post!... Plus a question on syllable pronunciation.

[Grotick]

I've finally gotten some other unrelated studying complete so now I finally have the opportunity to learn the Japanese language. I'm stuck on the Gojūon-zu table. I've been listening very hard and I can't figure out if the "RA" "RI" "RU" etc syllables are actually pronounced "RA" as in "Rain" or not. It sounds more like an "LA" really the more I listen.

PS I'm literally about one day into this.

EDIT: Sorry, "rain" is a terrible example; I understand how the "A" sounds. I'm glad that the "R" sound isn't easy. I've been listening to audio for a while now trying to decide if I wasn't hearing properly and they were really using an "R" sound or if it was more of an "L" or "D" sound.

[Zelg]

I've finally gotten some other unrelated studying complete so now I finally have the opportunity to learn the Japanese language. I'm stuck on the Gojūon-zu table. I've been listening very hard and I can't figure out if the "RA" "RI" "RU" etc syllables are actually pronounced "RA" as in "Rain" or not. It sounds more like an "LA" really the more I listen.

PS I'm literally about one day into this.

Hey there. Ive been on this site a few months and asked the same question. My conclusion is that come people emphasis a more L sound and some people emphasis a sound thats more closer to L+D sound. I've pretty much been using the same motion with my tongue I use for L (press the tip of your tongue against the top of your mouth just above your teeth) but I move my tongue more to the absolute top of my mouth. I think I also kind of push air out and it gives a little pop to the sound which to me sometimes can sound almost like a d sound. But as you've said, I've definitely heard native speakers say RA like LA.

Ra has the ah sound after the "R" so it shouldnt (in my limited experience). The A always seems to have that ah sound but it often has an ai (like Rain) sound when paired together with an i sound.　らいねん, sounded out I think sounds like, Ra, I, Ne,N but together the Ra and I come together to make a more mushed version of each other with something that sounds closer to rain with but with a more english sounding I sound.

I hope this didnt confuse you as I may have even confused myself. If it was totally off the mark regarding your question, I apologize. Its one of those hazy days today

I'm sure someone more qualified will come along shortly.

[community.japanese]

ryanswingle898436-san, Zelg-san,
kon'nichiwa

RA, RI, RU, RE and RO are those sounds many learners find difficult.
I think both of you analysed pretty well!
English R is quite different from Japanese R, and L and D could be nearer. You have to flip your tongue only once,
so if you imagine Spanish or Italian R, it might sound similar, but their R would probably be "rolling" sound.
We don't really "roll" the tongue when we pronounce R- sounds.

Do you guys know the "crazy frog" which became annoyingly famous several years ago?
It went "drrrrinn-rin-rin-rin......" like a phone rings in an annoying sounds. Maybe this "ri" in "rin" is close to Japanese "RI"
Just a thought....

Natsuko(奈津子),
Team JapanesePod101.com