--- In [email protected], "marccolbeck" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
wrote:
>
> Does anyone know the proper spelling for the following words
>
> Siyanora
In the "hyôjun-go", this would be spelled "sayonara".
Perhaps "shiyanora" is a word from a Japanese dialect, perhaps a
Kansai or Chûgoku variant?
> Matanay
This would be spelled "mata ne". This would mean something
like "hope I see you again".
> Janay
This is written "ja nai". It is used in familiar speech as a
negative form of the copula "desu", often employed to say that "A =
B" or similar things.
>
> Thanks very much! It's tough to use the Japanese dictionaries if
you
> don't even know the proper spellings.
>
> Marc>
Most dictionaries use the Hepburn system of spelling. Consonants
have the same sounds as in English, but the vowels are patterned
after Italian, since in Japanese all vowels are "pure". That is,
unlike in English, they do not decline. Think of the vowels in
Spanish. Japanese has an almost ideltical system of vowels. The
black sheep of the bunch would be the "short u", which sometimes
sounds like the U in French.
I would not worry about spelling. Whether you use the Hepburn or
newer "Kunrei-shiki" system of transcription for Japanese,
everything is read as written -- no irregularities. Since Japanese
is primarily a spoken language, listening to Japanese conversation
as much as possible can help you to improve and know just how to
write a word in Japanese with letters. Of special importance are
double consonants and cases when the letter N is at the end of a
word and right after it comes a vowel letter. These will give you a
hard time at first. However, with constant practice, they can be
mastered.
In any case, go for it.
- Arian I.
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