Double Consonants (Sokuon)

The small 'tsu' (っ/ッ) creates a brief pause, doubling the following consonant

Example: がっこう (gakkō) - school

Long Vowels

In hiragana, vowels are lengthened by adding another vowel. In katakana, a dash (ー) is used

Example: おかあさん (okāsan) - mother / カレー (karē) - curry

Particle は/へ/を

When used as particles, は is pronounced 'wa', へ as 'e', and を as 'o'

Example: わたしは (watashi wa) - I am

Vowel Devoicing

The vowels 'i' and 'u' are often devoiced (whispered) between voiceless consonants or at the end of words

Example: です (desu) is often pronounced close to 'des'