How to Pronounce “karaoke”

American (US)

/ˌkæriˈoʊki/

British (UK)

/ˌkæriˈəʊki/

noun — Singing along to recorded backing music with the lyrics displayed on screen.

Example: The whole team ended the night at karaoke.

A loanword from Japanese. From “kara” (empty) plus “oke” (orchestra). Each vowel is its own syllable — “kah-rah-OH-keh” — not the three-syllable “carry-oh-key” of English usage.

Where the stress falls. “karaoke” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌkæriˈoʊki/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

What does "karaoke" mean?

karaoke (noun): Singing along to recorded backing music with the lyrics displayed on screen. For example — The whole team ended the night at karaoke.

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

American English: /ˌkæriˈoʊki/. British English: /ˌkæriˈəʊki/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "karaoke"?

/ˌkæriˈoʊki/ in American English, /ˌkæriˈəʊki/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "karaoke"?

“karaoke” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌkæriˈoʊki/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.