the long "o"

rickinto · Nov 21, 2002, 03:21

When writing in Hiragana, is the second "O" in the long sounding "O", written in the Hiragana symbol for "U"???

Thanks for the help....

thomas · Nov 21, 2002, 06:55

Take for example おうさま　(ou-sama) = king.　

I think that not all "long o's" ( ô ) are transcribed as "ou" in hiragana, but also as "oo". However, please don't quote me on that and wait for the nihongo experts.

moyashi · Nov 24, 2002, 13:18

I believe so too.
I wonder where the "u" "o" actually sound different?

Probably a left vintage usage from the Heian period.

Maciamo · Nov 25, 2002, 15:45

Usually a long "o" is spelled "ou", but sometimes it's "oo", like in ookii 大きい (big) or toori 通り (road, avenue). To avoid confusion, you can also pronounce "oo" as two separate "o", but in conversation both "ou" and "oo" sound the same.

Nov 21, 2002, 03:21	#1
rickinto Junior Member Join Date: Jul 30, 2002 Location: Toronto Posts: 8	the long "o" When writing in Hiragana, is the second "O" in the long sounding "O", written in the Hiragana symbol for "U"??? Thanks for the help....

Nov 21, 2002, 06:55	#2
thomas Decommissioned ex-admin Join Date: Mar 14, 2002 Posts: 4,209	Take for example おうさま　(ou-sama) = king.　 I think that not all "long o's" ( ô ) are transcribed as "ou" in hiragana, but also as "oo". However, please don't quote me on that and wait for the nihongo experts. __________________ Remember what the dormouse said, feed your head, feed your head!

Nov 24, 2002, 13:18	#3
moyashi Regular Member Join Date: Apr 15, 2002 Location: SonyLand Age: 40 Posts: 1,566	I believe so too. I wonder where the "u" "o" actually sound different? Probably a left vintage usage from the Heian period. __________________ crazy gonna crazy

Nov 25, 2002, 15:45	#4
Maciamo Decommissioned ex-admin Join Date: Jul 17, 2002 Location: Austrasia Posts: 6,647	Usually a long "o" is spelled "ou", but sometimes it's "oo", like in ookii 大きい (big) or toori 通り (road, avenue). To avoid confusion, you can also pronounce "oo" as two separate "o", but in conversation both "ou" and "oo" sound the same. __________________ Over 100 destinations in the Japan Sightseeing Guide + detailed Tokyo Guide and Kyoto Guide Eupedia : Your Guide to Europe in English Read the "Maciamo FAQ" "What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?", Winston Churchill.

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