The word “transformer” does a lot of transforming in these languages!
We know that Japanese loves to use English words, but it’s not the only language to do so. Korean and Chinese use borrowed English words all the time too, but when you hear these English words spoken aloud, you may not recognize them as originally English at all.
To show just how much some English words can change from language to language, YouTube channel The World of Dave recently invited Japanese, Korean, and Chinese guests to see what certain words sounded like in each one’s native tongue.
Watch the full video here, or scroll down for some highlights:
▼ Dave starts out with something simple
and universally loved: “transformer.”
▼ It turns into “transpomuh” in Korean,
here they seem to have trouble with the “f” sound.
▼ Dave writes out the Japanese pronunciation as “trans-homa,”
though we’d argue it’s closer to “trans-foma.”
▼ But everybody hears the Japanese pronunciation as “homa”
instead of “foma.” To be fair, they are very similar!
▼ Then we get the Chinese pronunciation: “bian xing jin gang.”
▼ Say whaaaaaat?!
To find out why “transformer” is completely different in Chinese, and see a bunch more cool pronunciation comparisons, be sure to check out the rest of the video.
If you want to see more, then check out Dave’s pronunciation comparison videos number one and two, and be sure to subscribe to his YouTube channel for more awesome culture and language videos.
Source: YouTube/The World of Dave via TOYCHAN
Images: YouTube/The World of Dave
“Japanese English” can baffle native English speakers — but what about Korean speakers? 【Video】
Video compares the Japanese, Korean, and American Pokémon theme songs and Pokéraps 【Video】
The science behind why English speakers can’t pronounce the Japanese “fu”
Japanese elementary school student teaches us all how to pronounce English like a native speaker
How do you pronounce “Among Us” in Japanese? Simple question has linguistically deep answer
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Foreign driver’s license conversion test passes plummet from over 90% to 33% in Japan
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Japan’s Shinkansen trains are getting a Super Mario makeover【Pics】
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service music box to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
A whole slew of Totoro Christmas cakes are on their way to make the season extra merry【Photos】
Ghibli releases a Howl’s Moving Castle that walks and lights up【Video】
Nintendo announces opening date for next official store, first new location in two years
Awesome cosplayers and impressive demos from Tokyo Game Show【Photos】
East Japan Railway abolishes skirts, ribbons in women’s uniforms to “eliminate gender difference”
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
The reason why Japanese students don’t pronounce English properly
The top 10 hardest Japanese words to pronounce – which ones trip you up?【Video】
Does the Japanese word “natsukashii” exist in other languages? Japanese Twitter investigates
When “yes” means “no” — The Japanese language quirk that trips English speakers up
An introduction to the fun world of wasei eigo or Japanese-made English 【Video】
Everyday Japanese names that make English speakers chuckle
New app helps you translate Japanese and Chinese offline using smartphone camera
Pronunciation anxiety: many Japanese people don’t want to speak English unless it’s “perfect”
Sumikko Gurashi origin book gets English/Japanese bilingual release, great for language learners
Why do Chinese characters in anime say -arimasu/-aru ALL the time?
Only one out of five Japanese people can pronounce these hiragana — can you?
Ridiculous Japanese TV program says English pronunciation is to blame for coronavirus spread【Vid】
Japanese Twitter user embarrassed to learn why American friend is studying Japanese, not Chinese
How to say every Japanese car brand’s name, and what they mean 【Video】
Counting sheep to get to sleep may work after all, unless you speak Japanese
Four ways Japanese isn’t the hardest language to learn
Leave a Reply