Why isn't the う (u) in どうして being pronounced?


According to Google Translate the phrase is pronounced _dōshite_ (I've also
heard it pronounced like that in anime and movies).

I couldn't help noticing that the う (u) isn't being pronounced. Why is this?




When う follows a character ending in the "o" sound it extends that sound. The
"u" _is_ pronounced, but as "o" instead. I recommend listening to examples.

The same thing also happens with い and characters that end with an "e" sound.
(Eg. せんせい). The い serves to extend the "e" sound.

It is also extremely crucial to include that extension in both writing and
speaking because having it or not having it will change the meaning
completely. For example:

> こうこう(koukou)

Means `high school` while

> ここ(koko)

Means `here`




When う follows a character ending in the "o" sound it extends that sound. The
"u" _is_ pronounced, but as "o" instead. I recommend listening to examples.

The same thing also happens with い and characters that end with an "e" sound.
(Eg. せんせい). The い serves to extend the "e" sound.

It is also extremely crucial to include that extension in both writing and
speaking because having it or not having it will change the meaning
completely. For example:

> こうこう(koukou)

Means `high school` while

> ここ(koko)

Means `here`

