What is the pronunciation of ai?


Sorry for using romaji. I'm referring to the sounds made when a word contains
a kana sequence like 「ない」 or 「たい」or 「さい」 「かい」

I've read that the two together sound like the word "pie" sounds in English.
I've also read that both sounds are fully pronounced. This seems like a
contradiction to me? Does it vary from word to word? Does it vary from person
to person?

In this YouTube video of 「ちいさい」being said by two people the word sounds to me
like it rhymes with English "pie."

<https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4-BvtEisTU8>

In this song video, 「せかい」 sounds like it has two distinct sounds at the end.
(I've linked to a spot right before the word is sung.)

<https://youtu.be/368lRPMdajw?t=1m30s>




To an unaccustomed English ear, "ai" will sound like it should rhyme with
"pie". However, the two values are indeed pronounced separately, each
constituting a full _mora_. In rapid speach, this may be difficult to hear,
but the longer you immerse yourself in the sounds of the language, the more
you'll be able to hear this as not one vowel sound, but two.

