If you’re studying Japanese and want to explore regional dialects, Tohoku-ben (東北弁) is a fascinating and unique choice. Spoken in the Tohoku region (northeastern Japan), Tohoku dialect is known for its distinct sounds, unique vocabulary, and rural charm. This guide will introduce you to the basics of Tohoku-ben, including pronunciation, common phrases, and grammar differences from standard Japanese.
What Makes Tohoku-ben Unique?
Tohoku-ben is characterized by:
- Softened pronunciation: Some vowels are reduced or dropped, and the intonation often sounds slower and more melodic than standard Japanese.
- Unique verb conjugations: Verbs are often simplified, and auxiliary forms differ from standard Japanese.
- Distinct vocabulary: Tohoku-ben has words and phrases that you won’t hear anywhere else in Japan.
Pronunciation in Tohoku-ben
In Tohoku-ben, you’ll notice:
- Dropping vowels: “い” (i) and “う” (u) are often dropped or pronounced less distinctly. For example:
- Standard: 寒い (さむい, samui) → Tohoku: さみぃ (samii).
- Slurred sounds: Consonants and vowels may blend together, creating a softer and more nasal quality.
Example
Standard: 今日は寒いですね。
(きょうはさむいですね, Kyou wa samui desu ne.)
Tohoku: 今日、さみぃな。
(きょう、さみぃな, Kyou, samii na.)
Common Phrases in Tohoku-ben
Here are some phrases and their equivalents in standard Japanese:
- 「んだ」
Meaning: “Yes” or “That’s right.”
Standard: そうだ (Sou da).
Example:
A: 明日も雪かな？ (あしたもゆきかな, Ashita mo yuki kana?)
B: んだ。 (んだ, N da.) - 「へば」
Meaning: “Goodbye” or “See you later.”
Standard: じゃあね (Jaa ne).
Example:
へば、またな！ (へば、またな, Heba, mata na!) - 「わがんね」
Meaning: “I don’t know.”
Standard: わからない (Wakaranai).
Example:
何すればいいか、わがんね。
(なにすればいいか、わがんね, Nani sureba ii ka, wagan ne.) - 「したっけ」
Meaning: “Well then…” or “In that case…”
Standard: それでは (Sore de wa).
Example:
したっけ、行ぐべな。
(したっけ、いぐべな, Shitakke, igu be na.)
Translation: “Well then, let’s go.”
Grammar and Verb Conjugation in Tohoku-ben
1. Simplified Verb Endings
In Tohoku-ben, some verb endings are shortened or replaced with unique forms. For example:
- -ている (-teiru) becomes -てる (-teru) or -てっぺ (-teppe).
- Standard: 食べている (たべている, tabeteiru) → Tohoku: 食べてる (たべてる, tabeteru).
Example:
今、飯食ってる (いま、めしくってる, Ima, meshi kutteru) = “I’m eating now.”
- Volitional form (let’s…):
Standard: 行こう (いこう, ikou) → Tohoku: 行ぐべ (いぐべ, igube).
Example: 明日、山行ぐべ！
(あした、やまいぐべ, Ashita, yama igube!)
Translation: “Let’s go to the mountains tomorrow!”
2. Negative Verbs
Negative verbs in Tohoku-ben often use -ね (-ne) or -ねえ (-nee) instead of the standard -ない (-nai):
- Standard: 食べない (たべない, tabenai) → Tohoku: 食べね (たべね, tabene).
Example: 今日は飯、食べねが？
(きょうはめし、たべねが, Kyou wa meshi, tabene ga?)
Translation: “Aren’t you eating today?”
3. Question Particles
Instead of か (ka), Tohoku-ben uses が (ga) or け (ke):
- Standard: 行きますか？ (いきますか, Ikimasu ka?) → Tohoku: 行ぐが？ (いぐが, Igu ga?)
Tohoku Vocabulary Cheat Sheet
| Tohoku-ben | Standard Japanese | English |
|---|---|---|
| わりぃ (warii) | ごめん (gomen) | Sorry |
| けっぱる (kepparu) | 頑張る (ganbaru) | To work hard |
| しゃっこい (shakkoi) | 冷たい (tsumetai) | Cold (to the touch) |
| なげる (nageru) | 捨てる (suteru) | To throw away |
Practice Sentences
Standard: 寒いから、早く家に帰ろう。
(さむいから、はやくいえにかえろう, Samui kara, hayaku ie ni kaerou.)
Tohoku: さみぃがら、はやぐ家さ帰っぺ。
(さみぃがら、はやぐいえさかえっぺ, Samii gara, hayagu ie sa kaeppe.)
Translation: “It’s cold, so let’s hurry home.”
Standard: 今日も仕事頑張らないといけない。
(きょうもしごとがんばらないといけない, Kyou mo shigoto ganbaranai to ikenai.)
Tohoku: 今日も仕事、けっぱらねばなんね。
(きょうもしごと、けっぱらねばなんね, Kyou mo shigoto, kepparane ba nan ne.)
Translation: “I need to work hard again today.”
Tips for Learning Tohoku-ben
- Listen to Native Speakers: Watch videos or listen to interviews with Tohoku locals to get a feel for the rhythm and pronunciation.
- Practice with Locals: If possible, visit the Tohoku region and talk to locals—they’ll appreciate your effort to speak their dialect!
- Use Context: Many words and phrases in Tohoku-ben overlap with standard Japanese, so focus on understanding the unique elements within the context of a conversation.
Mastering Tohoku-ben can add a rich layer of cultural understanding to your Japanese skills. With practice and immersion, you’ll soon appreciate the warmth and charm of this rural dialect. へば、またな！ (Heba, mata na!)
