Pronunciation of Tamiya | FerrariChat
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Pronunciation of Tamiya

Discussion in 'Collectables, Literature, & Models' started by Daryl, Jan 11, 2012.

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  1. Daryl

    Daryl Formula 3

    Nov 10, 2003
    1,035
    Barrington Hills, IL
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    Daryl Adams
    #1 Daryl, Jan 11, 2012
    This is a rather silly question, but I was made to feel very stupid the other day and thought I would ask. I was in a hobby shop and asked an employee where I would find the Tamiya paint. I pronounced it "tom-MEE-yah". The clerk looked at me as if I were speaking Portuguese and said "What?" I repeated the question and he continued to look at me like I was nuts. I said, "You know, the Japanese model company". He then got this smug look on his face and said, with a painfully condescending tone, "Oh, you mean 'TOM-yuh'". I felt like giving him a an old Steve Martin, "Well excuuuuuuuse me!!!" So how is it pronounced?
     
  2. Eric W

    Eric W Formula Junior

    Jan 4, 2004
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    Eric
    #2 Eric W, Jan 11, 2012
    "Ta-Me-Ya"
     
  3. Zoom Zoom

    Zoom Zoom Karting

    Jul 15, 2006
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    Bob
    #3 Zoom Zoom, Jan 11, 2012
    Thank heavens for Youtube - I've seen videos from Hobbylink Japan and even an interview w/Mr. Tamiya; it is pronounced without emphasis on the vowels, basically "Tommy-uh".

    I still often slip and call it "Tah-ME-uh", but that's apparently as bad as the one I hear so often "Tum-EYE-uh" which is pretty much an American thing.
     
  4. furmano

    furmano Three Time F1 World Champ

    Jul 22, 2004
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    #4 furmano, Jan 12, 2012
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2012
    Someone doesn't know how to speak Japanese, or they speak perfect Japanese and just slur their pronunciation. :)

    TAH MEE YAH with no inflection is the Japanese way to say it. Tuh MEE Yuh would be a fine Americanized version.

    -F
     
  5. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Mar 31, 2006
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    #5 Wade, Jan 12, 2012
    During situations like this always answer "toe-MAY-toe, toe-MA-toe".
     
  6. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    Dec 10, 2005
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    #6 PAP 348, Jan 13, 2012
    That's how I have always pronounced it also. :)
     
  7. TCJ1965

    TCJ1965 Formula Junior

    Jun 1, 2004
    461
    #7 TCJ1965, Jan 13, 2012
    ITALERI

    Cheers!
    Terry Jones
    Ottawa Canada
     
  8. Gatorrari

    Gatorrari F1 World Champ
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    Feb 27, 2004
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    #8 Gatorrari, Jan 14, 2012
    I got confirmation from a hobby-show vendor some years ago that "Tah-MEE-ah" is correct.

    I always found it interesting that the similarly-spelled Japanese camera brand was always (without exception) pronounced "Mah-MY-ah"! That might explain the common (but incorrect) pronunciation for Tamiya.
     
  9. Mr. Francesco

    Mr. Francesco F1 Rookie

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    Mr. Francesco
    #9 Mr. Francesco, Jan 14, 2012
    This ^
     
  10. eric t

    eric t Karting

    Sep 23, 2007
    98
    #10 eric t, Jan 20, 2012
    It's pronounced; you-arrogant-s.o.b.-worthless-seller!!!!!
     

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