It can be difficult for English speakers to learn Japanese.It is easier to tacklenunciation if it is broken down.Each Japanese form of "sister" will be broken down in this article.
Step 1: There are different forms of the English word "sister" in Japanese.
The one below is set out as a separate part.
Step 2: Know the most respectful word for elder sister.
"Oneesama" is what it is.It means "elder sister."Oneesama is not a word you would use on a daily basis.If you apologized to your sister for a huge offense, in awe of her, or just a super-polite person, you would use it.
Step 3: Break it down.
Some elements of the word might be of interest to you.Status and respect are important in Japanese honorifics.It's best to comprehend them."O-" means respect.If you dropped it from "oneesama," it's optional on other forms of sister.The speaker is lower in status than the person they're talking about.This is often translated as "Lord," "Lady," or "Sir" in Japanese-to-English translations.It is used for both genders.Dropping "o-" while using "-sama" would be like saying "his Highness, the illustrious buddy of mine."Every Japanese word for "elder sister" has the word "nee" in it.
Step 4: Make it sound like "o" in the language.
You need to make it sound pure.Your voice blurs into a "w" sound when you say "oh".That doesn't happen in Japanese.
Step 5: "-nee-" is difficult.
The pronunciation is closer to "neigh" than you might think.The long e sound is only made by "i".You have to keep a pure "e" sound.Don't make it sound like a "y" sound."nee" is made up of two vowels.This is a difficult thing to say in English, so try clapping for each syllable while you say them slowly.
Step 6: "-sama" is very easy to understand.
It's almost the same as what you said.The Japanese word for father is "a".Don't let it drift into another sound.It should be short and clipped."Sa-ma."
Step 7: Put it together.
Try not to emphasize any syllable in Japanese.You should sound boring.
Step 8: Break these two apart.
The "o-" makes "Oneesan" more polite."-san" is respectful.You would use it with people you don't know very well.
Step 9: In the same manner, say "o-" and "-nee-".
Step 10: The "sa" is pronounced.
The "-sa-" is pronounced the same as the other one.Japanese sounds are consistent and don't vary between words with a few exceptions.The English "n" is similar to the Japanese one.It sounds like the English "m", depending on the speaker.
Step 11: Put it all together.
Step 12: Break it in half.
"-chan" is an honorific used only by females.This is a casual, friendly, even endearing honorific that you might use to talk to a small child or a schoolgirl.The respectful "o-" combined with the friendly "-chan" gives the formal a feeling of admiration.
Step 13: Don't say the word.
The same pronunciation is used for "o-", "-nee-," "n" and "a".The "ch" sounds the same as it does in English.
Step 14: Put it together.
Step 15: You can learn the word for older sister Ane.
The word is a bit different.The forms have been used to address your sister.When talking about your sister, "Ane" is used.The "-ne-" is common to "older sister" words.
Step 16: The same is true for pronunciation.
Step 17: For very casual interactions, use this form.
It's also used for a female member of your street gang."Ane" is pronounced like that.It sounds like a key.The "ey" sound should not be dragged out.As shown before, keep it short.
Step 18: Put it together.
Say Aneki.
Step 19: Imouto is the "little sister" word.
Older siblings usually address younger ones by name, so there's not a need for "liitle sister" words.Don't add honorifics to the end.When you're being rude and condescending to your sister, these are used.When talking about a little sister, add "-san""-ou-" means you double the "o" sound.The vowels "i" and "o" are pronounced the same way.The "m" and "t" sound the same.
Step 20: Put it together.