adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
actuallyadverbUS /ˈæktʃuːəli/
in actual fact
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
AlthoughconjunctionUS /ˌɔːlˈðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
approximateverbUS /əˈprɑːksəmət/
be close or similar
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
basedadjectiveUS /beɪst/
having a base
From this reading The spelling “KWAIDAN” is based on premodern Japanese pronunciation; when Hearn came to Japan, the orthography reflecting this pronunciation was still in use.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
becomeverbUS /bɪˈkʌm/
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
cameverbUS /keɪm/
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading The spelling “KWAIDAN” is based on premodern Japanese pronunciation; when Hearn came to Japan, the orthography reflecting this pronunciation was still in use.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
closeadjectiveUS /kloʊs/
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
closeradverbUS /ˈkloʊsər/
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
comeverbUS /kʌm/
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
ConsonantsnounUS /ˈkɑːnsənənts/
plural of “consonant” — a speech sound that is not a vowel
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
correspondingadjectiveUS /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndɪŋ/
accompanying
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
distinguishingverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “distinguish” — mark as different
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
enounUS /iː/
a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
EnglishnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
environmentsnounUS /ɪnˈvaɪrənmənts/
plural of “environment” — the totality of surrounding conditions
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/
apart from; not including
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
fnounUS /ef/
a degree on the Fahrenheit scale of temperature
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
fAthernounUS /ˈfɑːðər/
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
fEllownounUS /ˈfeloʊ/
a boy or man
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
fivenounUS /faɪv/
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
fOOlnounUS /fuːl/
a person who lacks good judgment
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
generaladjectiveUS /ˈdʒenərəl/
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
hnounUS /eɪtʃ/
a nonmetallic univalent element that is normally a colorless and odorless highly flammable diatomic gas; the simplest and lightest and most abundant element in the universe
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
handnounUS /hænd/
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
Hearn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The spelling “KWAIDAN” is based on premodern Japanese pronunciation; when Hearn came to Japan, the orthography reflecting this pronunciation was still in use.
helpverbUS /help/
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
ipronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
ignoredadjectiveUS /ˌɪɡˈnɔːrd/
disregarded
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
JapannounUS /dʒəˈpæn/
a string of more than 3,000 islands to the east of Asia extending 1,300 miles between the Sea of Japan and the western Pacific Ocean
From this reading The spelling “KWAIDAN” is based on premodern Japanese pronunciation; when Hearn came to Japan, the orthography reflecting this pronunciation was still in use.
JapanesenounUS /ˌdʒæpəˈniːz/
a native or inhabitant of Japan
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
KWAIDAN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
lnounUS /el/
a metric unit of capacity, formerly defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water under standard conditions; now equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (or approximately 1.75 pints)
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
machInenounUS /məˈʃiːn/
any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
mOlenounUS /moʊl/
the molecular weight of a substance expressed in grams; the basic unit of amount of substance adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
nearlyadverbUS /ˈnɪrli/
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
onounUS /oʊ/
a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The spelling “KWAIDAN” is based on premodern Japanese pronunciation; when Hearn came to Japan, the orthography reflecting this pronunciation was still in use.
orthographynounUS /ɔːrˈθɑːɡrəfi/
a method of representing the sounds of a language by written or printed symbols
From this reading The spelling “KWAIDAN” is based on premodern Japanese pronunciation; when Hearn came to Japan, the orthography reflecting this pronunciation was still in use.
phenomenonnounUS /fəˈnɑːmənɑːn/
any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
premodern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The spelling “KWAIDAN” is based on premodern Japanese pronunciation; when Hearn came to Japan, the orthography reflecting this pronunciation was still in use.
pronunciationnounUS /proʊˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/
the manner in which someone utters a word
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
purposenounUS /ˈpɜːrpəs/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
rnounUS /ɑːr/
a unit of radiation exposure; the dose of ionizing radiation that will produce 1 electrostatic unit of electricity in 1 cc of dry air
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
readernounUS /ˈriːdər/
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
reflectingadjectiveUS /rɪˈflektɪŋ/
causing reflection or having a device that reflects
From this reading The spelling “KWAIDAN” is based on premodern Japanese pronunciation; when Hearn came to Japan, the orthography reflecting this pronunciation was still in use.
roughlyadverbUS /ˈrʌfli/
(of quantities) imprecise but fairly close to correct
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
rulesnounUS /ruːlz/
plural of “rule” — a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
safelyadverbUS /ˈseɪfli/
with safety; in a safe manner
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
silentadjectiveUS /ˈsaɪlənt/
marked by absence of sound
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
simplifiedverbUS /ˈsɪmpləfaɪd/
inflected form of “simplify” — make simpler or easier or reduce in complexity or extent
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
somewhereadverbUS /ˈsʌmwer/
in or at or to some place
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
soundsnounUS /saʊndz/
plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
spellingnounUS /ˈspelɪŋ/
forming words with letters according to the principles underlying accepted usage
From this reading The spelling “KWAIDAN” is based on premodern Japanese pronunciation; when Hearn came to Japan, the orthography reflecting this pronunciation was still in use.
stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/
not in physical motion
From this reading The spelling “KWAIDAN” is based on premodern Japanese pronunciation; when Hearn came to Japan, the orthography reflecting this pronunciation was still in use.
StoriesnounUS /ˈstɔːriz/
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
StrangeadjectiveUS /streɪndʒ/
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
StudiesnounUS /ˈstʌdiz/
plural of “study” — a detailed critical inspection
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
ThereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
ThingsnounUS /θɪŋz/
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Although certain vowels become nearly “silent” in some environments, this phenomenon can be safely ignored for the purpose at hand.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
troublenounUS /ˈtrʌbəl/
a source of difficulty
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
unounUS /juː/
a base containing nitrogen that is found in RNA (but not in DNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
unfamiliaradjectiveUS /ˌʌnfəˈmɪljər/
not known or well known
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
usenounUS /juːs/
the act of using
From this reading The spelling “KWAIDAN” is based on premodern Japanese pronunciation; when Hearn came to Japan, the orthography reflecting this pronunciation was still in use.
vowelsnounUS /ˈvaʊəlz/
plural of “vowel” — a speech sound made with the vocal tract open
From this reading There are five vowels: a (as in fAther), i (as in machIne), u (as in fOOl), e (as in fEllow), and o (as in mOle).
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The spelling “KWAIDAN” is based on premodern Japanese pronunciation; when Hearn came to Japan, the orthography reflecting this pronunciation was still in use.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The spelling “KWAIDAN” is based on premodern Japanese pronunciation; when Hearn came to Japan, the orthography reflecting this pronunciation was still in use.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
whynounUS /waɪ/
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Consonants roughly approximate their corresponding sounds in English, except for r, which is actually somewhere between r and l (this is why the Japanese have trouble distinguishing between English r and l), and f, which is much closer to h.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading KWAIDAN: Stories and Studies of Strange Things Although simplified, the following general rules will help the reader unfamiliar with Japanese to come close enough to Japanese pronunciation.
