Why does the 谷 in 四谷 pronounounce as "ya"

四 is yotsu that i understand but why 谷 is “ya” non of the readings of 谷 is “ya” :confused: i don’t get it

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や is actually one of the nanori, which are readings that are used only in names, though it’s historically a kun’yomi.

It’s also got the same reading in 渋谷, 世田谷, and 谷中, which are all locations in Tokyo.

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I was gonna mention 谷地 (やち marshland), but upon further inspection, it appears to be ateji for an Ainu language word.

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guess its something you just have to learn by memorizing over time per case,thanks :slight_smile:

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