How should I pronounce "karaoke"?

Question

"Karaoke" is originated from Japanese.We, Japanese, pronounce it "Kah-rah-oh-keh."Do we have to pronounce it like "carry-oh-key" when we talk about karaoke with English-speaking people?If we pronounce it like "kah-rah-oh-keh," do English-speaking people understand what it is?

Myracle · Accepted Answer

I am not Japanese but here we too pronounce it as the Japanese do "Kah-rah-oh-keh"

Cool Breeze · Answer

SnappyDo we have to pronounce it like "carry-oh-key" when we talk about karaoke with English-speaking people?

You don't have to pronounce it that way. You'll most probably be understood even if you pronounce the word in the Japanese way. However, in English the word is generally pronounced in pretty much the way you describe.

It is normal in all languages, including Japanese, that the pronunciation of loan words often changes somewhat from the original language to be more in accordance with the pronunciation "rules" of the language into which the new words are adopted. The vast majority of English words are derived from other languages, but as this usually happened a long time ago, people don't even pay attention to the differences in pronunciation.

Romans didn't pronounce media the way the British pronounce it today. The French didn't pronounce realise/realize the way it is pronounced in English today. We Finns don't pronounce sauna the way English-speaking people pronounce it, etc.

CB

Anonymous · Answer

Most people do call it "carry-oh-key", so I understand what you mean.... but they will most likely understand you if you say "kah-rah-oh-keh" even if the feel that it sounds funny to them. We are normally used to it being "carry-oh-key" but your way is still understandable! :-)

Anonymous · Answer

the pronunciation of loan words often changes somewhat from the original language to be more in accordance with the pronunciation "rules" of the language into which the new words are adopted

That is not true. The americans just like to mispronounce foreign words to make them sound more foreign.

If you attempt to pronounce the word "karaoke" according to english rules, it may sound like "car ra oak". Not even remotely close to "carry o key".

The sad part is, the word karaoke is coined by Japanese from the words "kara" which means empty, and the word "oke" which is the first part of the english word orchestra. We are mispronouncing our own word when we say "o key".

"kara" appears in another imported word "karate" which is mispronounced as "ka ra ti". We are not even consistent in pronouncing the word "kara". The correct way is "ka la te" (te as in tennis). "te" means hand. So karate is the art of empty hand combat.

Vorpar · Answer

It's sometimes true that we use English cues to pronounce loan words.

Most people here pronounce "manga" like "mango", and "anime" like the first part of "animation". I haven't run into any problems with people misunderstanding the Japanese pronunciation, however.

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousThe americans just like to mispronounce foreign words to make them sound more foreign.

What a bizarre remark!

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

I'm a Finn and it's how now brown sauna. I hate hearing sawna.

Hyvaa paivaa or Good day, CB

Anonymous · Answer

English speaking people will understand it either way. It is a distinctive word. I now realize that English speaking people pronounce the word incorrectly. I will encourage the Japanese pronunciation from now on.

Anonymous · Answer

My boyfriend says it "cah-rokey" it's cute I like it I understand anyone who speaks anything close to "carey-okee" it's all good. If people don't understand you right away try to pronounce "carey-okee" and people should get it. I love karaoke!!!

Anonymous · Answer

Who cares? Pronounce it however you like. If people laugh at your pronunciation then you might want to revise it.

How should I pronounce "karaoke"?

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