How to Pronounce “karate”

American (US)

/kəˈɹɑ.ti/

British (UK)

/kəˈɹɑː.ti/

noun — An Okinawan martial art involving primarily punching and kicking, but additionally, advanced throws, arm bars, grappling and all means of fighting.

Where the stress falls. “karate” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /kəˈɹɑ.ti/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /kəˈɹɑ.ti/ 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 "karate" mean?

karate (noun): An Okinawan martial art involving primarily punching and kicking, but additionally, advanced throws, arm bars, grappling and all means of fighting.

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

American English: /kəˈɹɑ.ti/. British English: /kəˈɹɑː.ti/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "karate"?

/kəˈɹɑ.ti/ in American English, /kəˈɹɑː.ti/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "karate"?

“karate” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /kəˈɹɑ.ti/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

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