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
Can we be just like Shohei Ohtani on a budget with a Hello Kitty cap?
Viral Japanese cheesecake from Osaka has a lesser known rival called Aunt Wanda
Ramen for 99 yen?!? Best value-for-money noodles found at unlikely chain in Japan
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
The best Hobonichi diaries, covers and stationery for 2026
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s craziest burger chain takes menchi katsu to new extreme levels
Oh Boy, That’s Pretty Racist (Part Two): Japanese woman explains why Taiwanese girls suck
We try a viral Chinese TikTok recipe for spicy ramen using Sprite soda in the broth【SoraKitchen】
Studio Ghibli now sells Totoro bubble blowers at its anime merchandise store in Japan
Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Japan has only one airport named after a samurai, so let’s check out Kochi Ryoma【Photos】
Japanese drugstore sells onigiri at pre-stupid era prices, but how do they compare to 7-Eleven?
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 2]
Adorable Totoro acorn key holders come with a special guest hidden inside[Photos]
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
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
Japanese park’s English dog turd warning minces no words【Why does Engrish happen?】