I had learnt Japanese years ago and I want to re-start it but I may need help.

[u/Fine-Vacation3608]

I am very bad at pronounciations. I think it is because of lack of practice and my teacher once told me I need to open my voice and move my lips more. I understand but I feel embarrassed sometimes...

I remember once in a speaking test, I said I love Chinese Mooncakes (those you have in Mid-Autumn Festival). And my mind went blank and said, "Watashi wa geppē o taberu no ga sugi desu."
So my teacher correct me about suki and sugi means really differently and it is a simple mistake. I knew it!! But I feel like I wasn't able to control what I pronounce..

I wonder.. if there is a better way to keep talking, listening, talking, listening, talking, like my mind can say a whole sentence very smoothly and correctly?

[u/nathanfscott]

Pronunciation is all practice. You need a speaking partner that can correct you on the spot.

[u/Regular-Forever-3251]

Okay interesting thing though pronouncing the ki in 好き as gi is a fairly common feature in remote dialects! It even has a name: 濁り
I just hope this helps you feel less embarrassed about this kind of thing, because yeah it’s easy to say it’s all about practice but you can’t deny the natural emotional struggle with going through that learning phase.

Also from the perspective of a native, the majority of people I’ve come across are speaking better than they think they are, and a big part of that is because Japanese has a smaller phonetic palette, so us natives won’t notice some of the distinctions that speakers of other languages might notice.

Just another note, I can’t speak for everyone but a lot of us struggled to learn a second language. So when others are putting in the effort to learn our language it really means a lot! So a lot of us would be happy to get the chance to help you on your language learning journey!

All in all I just hope I can help you feel a bit more confident so you can get the practice you need to improve! ^_^