How to Pronounce “kawaii”

American (US)

/kəˈwɑːi/

British (UK)

/kəˈwaɪi/

adjective — Cute, adorable.

Example: She bought a kawaii keychain shaped like a kitten.

Where the stress falls. “kawaii” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /kəˈwɑːi/ 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. /kəˈwɑːi/ 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 "kawaii" mean?

kawaii (adjective): Cute, adorable. For example — She bought a kawaii keychain shaped like a kitten.

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

American English: /kəˈwɑːi/. British English: /kəˈwaɪi/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "kawaii"?

/kəˈwɑːi/ in American English, /kəˈwaɪi/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "kawaii"?

“kawaii” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /kəˈwɑːi/ 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.