How to Pronounce “samurai”

American (US)

/ˈsæməˌɹaɪ/

British (UK)

/ˈsæm(j)ʊɹaɪ/

noun — In feudal Japan, a soldier who served a daimyo.

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

samurai (noun): In feudal Japan, a soldier who served a daimyo.

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

American English: /ˈsæməˌɹaɪ/. British English: /ˈsæm(j)ʊɹaɪ/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "samurai"?

/ˈsæməˌɹaɪ/ in American English, /ˈsæm(j)ʊɹaɪ/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "samurai"?

“samurai” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsæməˌɹaɪ/ 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.