Learning to pronounce your name, "Matthew," in Japanese is an intriguing challenge. You might want to respect your Japanese friend’s name or start a Japanese language course due to work or passion. Regardless of the reasons, learning this English name in Japanese broadens your respect for the culture.
During my Japanese language studies, I developed deep respect for the language and culture. This respect intensified when I noticed the importance of pronouncing someone’s name correctly. I remember my first encounter with a Japanese friend who was delighted that I tried to honor her name. Such small gestures can significantly enhance relationships.
In Japanese names, like "Matthew," there are two parts: the family name and given name. In our case, it’s マットウ in kana-script (Japanese alphabet), with the first sound pronounced as "B" and "-atto-u" as two syllables.
There are various ways to practice pronouncing Japanese names like "Matthew." Speak with Japanese friends or teachers, use videos and audio materials, or try singing karaoke style to adapt to the rhythm and intonation of the language.
Sprach-expert Richard Simcott said, "Learning a new language is like learning a new skill. Be patient with yourself and don’t get discouraged by mistakes." This underscores the importance of embracing the process and trusting your abilities.