Writing system · Foundation
Small katakana vowels in modern words
Read combinations such as ファ, ティ, ディ and フォ.
In short
Small ァィゥェォ let katakana approximate sound combinations that older Japanese kana patterns did not represent directly.
How it works
Common examples include ファ (fa), ティ (ti), ディ (di), フェ (fe), フォ (fo), and ウィ (wi). Their spelling is especially common in names, technology and imported vocabulary.
Useful contrast
These combinations are conventional Japanese approximations; they do not reproduce every foreign accent exactly.
Examples
ファイル
file
パーティー
party
Common pitfall
Read the small vowel as part of the combination. Do not give it the full independent timing of a normal-size vowel kana.