Japanese Words That Sound Like English can surprise you with their familiar ring. In this part 3, we dive into 12 more terms that merge international flavor with Japanese phonetics. Ready to discover more everyday words that might trick your ears?
1. クレジットカード (kurejitto kaado)
When you hear this, it’s “credit card.” The syllables get spaced out: ku-re-ji-tto kaa-do. Despite the extra sounds, it’s still your usual plastic for payments.
2. レストラン (resutoran)
“Restaurant” becomes re-su-to-ran. It might feel elongated when you say it out loud, but the meaning remains deliciously the same.
3. サンドイッチ (sandoicchi)
Love a good sandwich? In Japanese, it’s pronounced san-do-ic-chi. You’ll often see these sold everywhere, from convenience stores to cafés.
4. アイスクリーム (aisukuriimu)
Ice cream transforms into ai-su-ku-rii-mu. Notice the extended “ii.” Next time you grab a sweet treat, you’ll know exactly how to say it.
5. ペン (pen)
Short and simple, “pen” stays mostly the same, just a different script. If you need one at a store, ask for a “pen” and you’ll likely be understood instantly.
6. プール (puuru)
Pool? That’s pu-u-ru in Japanese. It might look like an extra vowel, but once you hear it, you’ll get used to the gentle prolongation.
7. ゲーム (geemu)
A “game” is ge-e-mu. Whether you’re playing a board game or a video game, this word covers it all in Japanese.
8. パソコン (pasokon)
Short for “personal computer,” pasokon is a handy way to refer to your laptop or desktop. It might not sound exactly like “PC,” but the link is there.
9. エアコン (eakon)
Air conditioner is turned into e-a-kon. During hot summers, you’ll hear this word everywhere as people talk about cooling down indoors.
10. スーツ (suutsu)
A business “suit” becomes su-u-tsu. Another example of how consonant clusters get broken up in Japanese.
11. ドア (doa)
Door is simply do-a. It’s a tiny shift from the English pronunciation, but still close enough for quick recognition.
12. パーティー (paatii)
Party? That’s paa-tii with a drawn-out “aa.” When inviting friends, mention paatii and everyone will catch the vibe.
Why These Japanese Words That Sound Like English Stand Out
These loanwords mix overseas origins with Japanese phonetic rules. They’re easy to spot yet occasionally tricky to recognize due to added vowels or altered consonants. By learning how they’re adapted, you’ll boost your language skills and feel more confident shopping, traveling, or chatting in Japan.
Final Thoughts on Japanese Words That Sound Like English
From クレジットカード to パーティー, each term brings a dash of familiarity to a foreign language. This blend makes studying Japanese more fun, as you uncover everyday words that feel “almost English” but still carry a distinct local twist. Keep your ears open for these phrases in daily life—you might be amazed at how much you already understand.