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What's a Vezel? (derivation and pronunciation of the JDM name)

9871 Views 10 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  vtec
Hi everyone! I just thought I'd share with you how the Japanese name of the HR-V is pronounced since I've seen it dubbed the "Weasel" on quite a few auto blogs. Having lived in Japan and can speak some Japanese I can attest that it absolutely does not rhyme with weasel.

The name Vezel was coined from the words vehicle + bezel. And it is pronounced roughly between "bezel" and how most Americans pronounce "basil" (the "a" as in "bake" not "back"). Since there is no "v" sound in Japanese it is approximated with a "b" sound by Japanese though it would be proper for a foreigner to correctly pronounce the V. So in short it would in English be best pronounced as VAY-zuhl.
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thanks for breaking it down, it does help to know this.
For those who don't know (I didn't) the word 'bezel' means "a grooved ring holding the glass or plastic cover of a watch face or other instrument in position."

Not really sure why that has anything to do with the Vezel though.
i'm not sure either
eventually i think we should see some video of them talking about what it means along with anything else about it that's significant
For those who don't know (I didn't) the word 'bezel' means "a grooved ring holding the glass or plastic cover of a watch face or other instrument in position."

Not really sure why that has anything to do with the Vezel though.
It can also mean "the face of a cut gem". According to Honda's FAQ the name was meant to express "a car that has multi-faceted appeal and value" that like a gemstone can change depending on the angle it is viewed. Gotta love how Japanese name things! Hi-rider Revolutionary Vehicle anyone? :D
still better than random numbers and letters although at times those can have a cool effect especially when it's something like "s2000" it just sounds cool.
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still better than random numbers and letters although at times those can have a cool effect especially when it's something like "s2000" it just sounds cool.
I agree.
s2000 is classic Honda naming scheme however...
s2000 is classic Honda naming scheme however...
of course it is but the discussion here is on impact of a name, and i just used that as an example.
s2000 is classic Honda naming scheme however...
yeah i remember they had an s800, cool little car.
it was ugly to me

might be why I never see or hear of people having one, it's always older nissans or toyotas
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