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
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
Japan manners debate: Is it OK to put a Mister Donut donut back on the shelf after taking it?
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
A robot joins the team at a fast-food restaurant, but in an unlikely city in northern Japan
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
East Japan’s 10 most magical winter scenery experiences, as chosen by travelers
Convenience store onigiri rice balls become even more expensive…but are they worth it?
Naked Run takes a confused grasp of streaking, puts it in a video game【Review】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
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
Only one out of five Japanese people can pronounce these hiragana — can you?
Why do Chinese characters in anime say -arimasu/-aru ALL the time?
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
“Same sh*t different day” – Nice Japanese people swearing in English 【Video】
Leave a Reply