Just like in Brazil we have the "caipira", "baiano", "nordestino" dialects, and many others. Japan has numerous regional dialects. These dialects are sometimes difficult to be understood by the Japanese themselves.
Japan has 47 provinces (states), and has a mountainous nature, and throughout Japan's history its people lived divided, with various regions warring against each other. As such, the Japanese language developed in parallel in various parts of the country.
The dialects are differentiated among them by the accent, the formation of the verb and adjectives, the use of particles, the vocabulary and in some cases the pronunciation. Some also differ in consonants and vowels, although this is uncommon.
One of the biggest factors for the difference in the way of speaking is geography. In more isolated places such as islands, distant or difficult to access regions, for a long time the presence of people and information from other parts was limited.
Below we have a map with the names of most of the dialects found in Japan, it is worth remembering that in some small towns and islands, these dialects can also be a little different.
Table of Content
Classification of Japanese dialects
Eastern Dialects (Higashi Nihongo)
Eastern dialects are found in the Kantō, Tōhoku, and Hokkaido regions. They share some common phonetic and grammatical features, although there are also variations within the group.
Tōhoku-ben: This is the most distinctive dialect within the group. It is known for its descending intonation, pronunciation of vowels and consonants, and variations in verb conjugations. Also, the vocabulary can be quite different from standard Japanese.
Kantō-ben: The dialect of the Kantō region, where Tokyo is located, is closer to standard Japanese. However, it still has some differences in the intonation and pronunciation of the consonants.
Western Dialects (Nishi Nihongo)
Western dialects are found in the Chūgoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu regions. They are characterized by variations in the pronunciation of consonants and vowels, verb conjugations and word formation.
Chūgoku-ben: This dialect is spoken in the Chūgoku region and features differences in verb conjugations and word formation compared to standard Japanese.
Shikoku-ben: The dialect of the island of Shikoku has its own characteristics, such as variations in intonation and the use of grammatical particles.
Kyushu-ben: Spoken on the island of Kyushu, this dialect features distinct pronunciation of consonants and vowels and differences in verb conjugation.
Hakata-ben – Dialect spoken in Fukuoka City, formerly known as Hakata, located on the island of Kyushu.
We recommend reading: The Dialect of Fukuoka - Hakata Ben
East Central Dialects (Chūbu Nihongo)
East Central dialects are found in the Chūbu region, spanning prefectures such as Nagano, Niigata, and Gifu. The main features include:
Distinct intonation: The Central Eastern dialects have a different intonation from standard 日本語.
Variations in the use of grammatical particles: Speakers of these dialects may use grammatical particles in ways different from those found in standard 日本語.
West Central Dialects (Kansai Nihongo)
West Central dialects are spoken in the Kansai region, including cities such as Ōsaka, Kyōto, and Nara. Some notable features are:
- melodic intonation: Kansai dialects have a melodic intonation, which makes them more pleasant and expressive for some listeners.
- Differences in verb conjugations and word formation: Kansai dialects have variations in verb conjugations and word formation compared to standard Japanese.
- Use of grammatical particles: Speakers of these dialects may use different grammatical particles, such as replacing the particle "ね" with "や" or "な" in Kansai-ben.
Here are some examples of West Central dialects:
Kansai-ben (Osaka dialect): It is one of the most well known and loved dialects in Japan. Kansai-ben speakers are often associated with a sense of humor and friendliness. Some common words and expressions include "おおきに" (ookini), which means "thank you", and "なんでやねん" (nandeyanen), an expression of surprise or indignation.
Kyoto-ben: The Kyoto dialect is considered elegant and refined, with a smooth intonation. Some typical words and expressions include "おあずけ" (oazuke), which means "please wait a moment" and "はんなり" (hannari), an adjective that describes something graceful and elegant.
Nara-ben: The Nara dialect shares characteristics with other Kansai dialects, but it also has its own peculiarities. For example, "ありがとう" (arigatou), which means "thank you" in standard Japanese, is often pronounced as "ありがとん" (arigaton) in Nara-ben.
We recommend reading: The dialect of Kyoto and Osaka - Kansai-ben
Another Division of Japanese Dialects
Below we will present another type of geographic classification of Japanese dialects:
- Kyūshū:
- Satsugū
- Hichiku
- Hōnichi
- Western:
- Chūgoku
- Umpaku
- Shikoku
- Kansai
- Hokuriku
- Eastern:
- Tōkai-Tosan
- Kantō
- Hokkaido's interior
- Tōhoku
- coast of Hokkaido
- Hachijo (Hachijo Islands)
Notable Japanese Dialects and Their Characteristics
Let's explain some more information about the main Japanese dialects:
Kansai dialect
Kansai-ben, spoken in the Kansai region, is one of the best-known dialects in Japan. Its melodic intonation and distinctive pronunciation contribute to the stereotype that its speakers are friendly and expressive.
Tōhoku-ben
Spoken in the Tōhoku region, this dialect is known for its descending intonation and pronunciation of vowels and consonants. An example of difference in vocabulary is the word "おもろい", which means "interesting" in Tōhoku-ben, in contrast to "おもしろい" in standard Japanese.
Okinawan dialect
The Okinawan dialect is considered a separate language by some linguists due to its significant differences from standard Japanese. Okinawa has a unique history as the Ryukyu Kingdom before becoming part of Japan, which has contributed to the development of a distinct dialect and culture.
Tsugaru-ben and Yamanote
The Tsugaru-ben dialect, spoken in Aomori Prefecture, is known to be difficult to understand even for native Japanese speakers from other regions. This is due to their unique pronunciations and intonations, and their use of vocabulary and grammar that differ significantly from standard Japanese.
The Yamanote dialect, a variant of the Kanto dialect, was spoken by samurai and the upper class during the Edo period (1603-1868). This dialect influenced the development of modern Standard Japanese.
The importance of dialects in Japan
The Japanese language is rich in regional dialects, reflecting the cultural and historical diversity of Japan's different regions. Each dialect has unique and distinctive characteristics such as pronunciation, vocabulary and grammar, which are deeply influenced by geography, history and local culture. This linguistic diversity plays an important role in shaping Japan's regional identity and cultural heritage.
Effect on Japanese Culture
Japanese dialects have also influenced popular culture, including humor and music. Many famous comedians in Japan hail from the Kansai region and incorporate the Kansai-ben dialect into their performances. In addition, traditional and modern songs in regional dialects are also popular across the country.
The Japanese government and cultural organizations have striven to preserve and promote regional dialects, recognizing their importance to identity and cultural heritage. This includes documenting endangered dialects and promoting the teaching and use of dialects in local communities.
Some words and expressions from regional dialects became popular throughout Japan and were incorporated into standard Japanese, such as "めんどくさい" (mendokusai), meaning "boring" or "troublesome", originating from the Kansai dialect.
The future of Japanese dialects [方言] hōgen
In modern Japan, Standard Japanese (標準語, Hyōjungo) is widely used in education, media, and communication across different regions of the country.
However, regional dialects still play a crucial role in the daily lives of many Japanese people, especially in rural areas and older communities. These dialects are valued as part of the local cultural identity and tradition.
In addition, Japanese dialects have influenced and enriched the country's popular culture, including music, literature, and humor. Many artists, writers, and comedians incorporate regional dialects into their works, expressing the richness and diversity of the Japanese language.
Challenges and preservation efforts
With increasing globalization and the predominance of Standard Japanese, many regional dialects are in danger of disappearing, especially those spoken by small and isolated communities. To preserve these dialects and their cultural heritage, several initiatives have been implemented in Japan.
Government and cultural organizations work to document and promote endangered dialects, conducting linguistic research and providing educational resources. Furthermore, festivals and cultural events that celebrate regional dialects and their traditions are also organized in various parts of the country.
Videos of Japanese Dialects
With the videos below you can get to know the Japanese dialects and notice their differences.