now for Japanese speakers — pronunciation and common errors

Pronunciation

Japanese phonology lacks the /aʊ/ diphthong, frequently replacing it with a sequence of two distinct vowels /a/ and /ɯ/. This causes the word to be produced as /naɯ/, often adding a mora compared to the English monosyllable.

Grammar

Japanese marks time-related shifts with the particle 'mō' (もう), which covers both 'now' and 'already'. Consequently, learners frequently produce 'I am finished now' when 'I have already finished' is required by English aspectual rules.

Examples

• I am busy right now but I can help you later.
• The manager needs the report on her desk now because the meeting starts in five minutes.