has for Japanese speakers — pronunciation and common errors

Pronunciation

Japanese phonology lacks the /z/ sound in word-final positions, often leading to the insertion of an epenthetic vowel /ɯ/ or devoicing the final consonant to /s/. Consequently, 'has' /hæz/ is frequently produced as /hazɯ/ or /hasɯ/.

Grammar

Japanese verbs do not inflect for person or number (e.g., 'taberu' applies to I, you, he, and they), whereas English requires the third-person singular suffix. Learners frequently transfer this lack of agreement by using the base form 'have' where 'has' is required after singular subjects.

Examples

• She has a new car.
• The manager has the final say on which candidates we will hire for the summer internship.