Here's why:
* The "R" Sound in Japanese is /ɾ/: This sound is made by quickly tapping the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, behind your front teeth. It's a very brief sound, unlike the English "r" which can be held longer.
* Phonetic Differences: The English "r" sound is a complex sound that can vary depending on the word and its position. In Japanese, the "r" sound is always the same, regardless of context.
While the difference may seem subtle, it can affect how words sound when spoken. For example, the English word "road" would be pronounced with a "rolled" "r" sound, while the Japanese word "road" (道路 / dōro) would be pronounced with the flapped "r" sound.
Here are some examples:
* English: "right" /raɪt/
* Japanese: "right" (正しい) /masai/
* English: "red" /rɛd/
* Japanese: "red" (赤い) /akai/
* English: "river" /ˈrɪvər/
* Japanese: "river" (川) /kawa/
The Japanese pronunciation of "r" is considered native-like for Japanese speakers. It's important to practice this sound if you want to improve your Japanese pronunciation and be understood by native speakers.