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Can or Can't

It is interesting that "can" and "can't," sound almost same.

I thought that it is just Japanese hearing issue, but people say even native English speaker could misunderstand. But still, it is more difficult for Japanese.

For me, American only distinguish them the rhythm and tempo. Of course, in most of cases, people know if it is can or can't he or she want to say. But it could make serious problem at business discussion.

Tell me what you said. Can or can not??

I believe that English is much clearer language especially than Japanese.

Japanese sentence


Japanese sentence can't be known if it is positive or negative until hearing the end of final word.

For instance,

Watashi ha soko he ikimasu (I will go there)
Watachi ha soko he ikimasen (I won't go there)
Watashi ha sore ga dekimasu (I can do that)
Watashi ha sore ga dekimasen (I can't do that)

You see, only difference is "ikimasu" and "ikimasen", "dekimasu" and "dekimasen"

I never imagine that English has such a similar issue. Interesting.


 
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