This is a mobile optimized page that loads fast, if you want to load the real page, click this text.

A small question

Mycernius

The Hairy Wookie
Joined
4 Feb 2005
Messages
4,644
Reaction score
203
What is the correct name given to the bar used in Katakana to extend the vowel sound? All my books seem to only refer to it as a bar.
 
Mycernius said:
What is the correct name given to the bar used in Katakana to extend the vowel sound? All my books seem to only refer to it as a bar.

In Japanese that is called "bou" or "yoko bou."

I usually use the former of the two words. Hope that helps.
 
I typed it into JWPCe and it came up with:

ー 【ちょうおん】 long vowel mark (usually only used in katakana)
 
I think it's called a "macron."

accents - diacritical marks

  • é - accent acute
  • è - accent grave
  • ê - circumflex
  • ë - umlaut or diaerisis
  • ç - cedilla
  • ñ - tilde
  • ø - streg
  • ð - eth (capital form Ð)
  • å - bolle
  • æ - ligature
  • œ - ligature
  • ē - macron
  • č - háček
  • ŭ - crescent
 
I learned it as the "vowel lengthening morpheme." Macron is the name of the bar over a letter in romanization, so if you're referring specifically to the character used in katakana then I think Kat has it right.
 
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…