How to Pronounce “chakra”

American (US)

/ˈt͡ʃɑː.kɹə/

British (UK)

/ˈtʃæ.kɹə/

noun — Any of (at least) seven centres of spiritual energy in or near the body, according to Ayurveda philosophy.

Where the stress falls. “chakra” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈt͡ʃɑː.kɹə/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈt͡ʃɑː.kɹə/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "chakra" mean?

chakra (noun): Any of (at least) seven centres of spiritual energy in or near the body, according to Ayurveda philosophy.

How do you pronounce "chakra" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈt͡ʃɑː.kɹə/. British English: /ˈtʃæ.kɹə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "chakra"?

/ˈt͡ʃɑː.kɹə/ in American English, /ˈtʃæ.kɹə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "chakra"?

“chakra” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈt͡ʃɑː.kɹə/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.