1.
tongue twister
A phrase or sentence that is difficult to say quickly because of similar or tricky sound combinations, used as a word game or pronunciation exercise.
早口言葉に挑戦する。
To try a tongue twister.
日本語の早口言葉は発音の練習になる。
Japanese tongue twisters are good pronunciation practice.
子どもたちが早口言葉を言い合って笑っていた。
The children were saying tongue twisters to each other and laughing.
A compound of 早口 (fast talking) and 言葉 (words). A popular word game in Japan, especially among children. Famous Japanese tongue twisters include 「生麦生米生卵」 (raw barley, raw rice, raw egg) and 「東京特許許可局」 (Tokyo Patent Approval Office).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 早口言葉に挑戦する: to try a tongue twister
- 早口言葉を言う: to say a tongue twister
- 早口言葉で遊ぶ: to play with tongue twisters
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 早口: fast talking — the speed of speech itself, not the word game
- 言葉遊び: wordplay — a broader category that includes tongue twisters, puns, and riddles