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How to pronounce Hara-kiri

How to Pronounce "Hara-kiri"

Definition: How to say "Hara-kiri" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

hah-rah-kee-ree (also known as seppuku)

How to say "Hara-kiri" correctly

Understanding the meanings of Hara-kiri.

  • A form of Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment
  • Suicide by disembowelment
  • Ritual suicide by disembowelment
  • Self-disembowelment practiced by samurai in Japan as an honorable alternative to disgrace or execution
  • A Japanese form of ritual suicide by disembowelment

Using Hara-kiri correctly with these examples:

  • The samurai warrior committed hara-kiri to preserve his honor.
  • The act of hara-kiri was seen as a noble and honorable way to die in Japanese culture.
  • The practice of hara-kiri dates back to feudal Japan.
  • The ronin chose to perform hara-kiri rather than face capture by his enemies.
  • Hara-kiri was considered a solemn and serious act in ancient Japan.

Nearby words to Hara-kiri:

Karaoke, Harakiri, Sushi, Samurai, Geisha, Kimono, Ninja, Bonsai, Shogun, Kamikaze,

Synonyms for Hara-kiri

Seppuku, Self-disembowelment, Ritual suicide, Japanese ritual suicide, Samurai suicide, Honorable suicide, Self-inflicted disembowelment, Ritual self-disembowelment, Samurai ritual suicide, Japanese self-disembowelment,

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How you can pronounce English words more accurately

Here are some tips that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Hara-kiri‘:

  • Break down ‘Hara-kiri’ into sounds, speak it aloud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently say it without mistakes.
  • Record yourself saying ‘Hara-kiri‘ in full sentences and then listen back. You’ll be able to find any of your mistakes quite easily.
  • Look up pronounciation videos on Youtube or Google on how to pronounce ‘Hara-kiri‘ correctly.
  • Choose a single accent: when you mix multiple accents, it could confuse people, especially for beginners. So pick one accent (US or UK), perhaps American and master that one first.


More ideas to boost your English pronunciation skills, it’s advised to adopt the following strategies:

Practicing speech contraction in speech is standard in the U.S. and is seen as a regular element of casual conversation. For instance, changing “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is widely accepted. Look into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for more insights.

Working on your intonation is essential for English fluency. The ways you use stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are key in communicating your intended message and emotions. A plethora of resources and videos on Youtube can help you in learning these components to pronounce ‘Hara-kiri’.

Engage with several Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer complimentary resources that tackle crucial language skills. Pronounce.tv is one more excellent source for enhancing your pronunciation.

Copying native speakers can significantly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they say ‘Hara-kiri’ and strive to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it second nature.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily practice. Getting to know and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you accurately articulate challenging words.

Frequently practice English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more adept you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, enhancing your overall communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Japanese pronounce harakiri?

The term “harakiri” is actually a mispronunciation of the Japanese word “seppuku,” which is a form of ritual suicide by disembowelment. The correct way to pronounce “seppuku” in Japanese is “seh-poo-koo,” with the emphasis on the second syllable. In Japanese, each syllable is pronounced clearly and distinctly, and there are no silent letters. Therefore, it is important to enunciate each syllable clearly when pronouncing “seppuku.”

What does committed harakiri mean?

Committed harakiri, also known as seppuku, is a form of ritual suicide that was practiced by the Japanese samurai as a way to restore honor or avoid capture by enemies. It involves the act of disembowelment, where the individual uses a short sword to cut open their abdomen. This act was considered a highly honorable way to die, as it demonstrated courage, loyalty, and a strong sense of duty. In some cases, harakiri was decreed by a court as a punishment instead of the death penalty. The ritual of committed harakiri holds deep cultural and historical significance in Japan and is a solemn and respected tradition.

How do individuals fluent in Japanese pronounce hara-kiri?

Individuals fluent in Japanese would pronounce “hara-kiri” as “hah-rah-kee-ree.” In the Japanese language, each syllable is pronounced clearly and distinctly, so it is important to enunciate each part of the word. “Hara-kiri” is a term that refers to the act of ritual suicide by disembowelment, also known as seppuku, and it is important to pronounce it accurately and respectfully when discussing this serious and historical practice in Japanese culture.

In what manner is hara-kiri pronounced by native Japanese speakers?

Hara-kiri, also known as seppuku, is pronounced by native Japanese speakers as “ha-rah kee-ree.” The first syllable “ha” is pronounced with a short “a” sound like in the word “hot.” The second syllable “rah” is pronounced with a short “a” sound followed by a rolled “r.” The final syllable “kee-ree” is pronounced with a long “ee” sound like in the word “bee.” It is important to note that the pronunciation may vary slightly depending on the regional dialect within Japan, but this is the most commonly accepted pronunciation.

How is the word hara-kiri pronounced in Japanese culture?

The word “hara-kiri” is pronounced as “hah-rah-kee-ree” in Japanese culture. It is a term that refers to the act of ritual suicide by disembowelment, also known as seppuku. This practice was historically performed by samurai to maintain honor and avoid the shame of falling into enemy hands. The pronunciation of “hara-kiri” is important to understand the cultural significance and historical context of this ritual in Japanese society.

What is the commonly accepted way to say hara-kiri in Japanese society?

In Japanese society, the commonly accepted way to refer to the act of ritual suicide known as “hara-kiri” is actually “seppuku.” While “hara-kiri” is a term that is more widely recognized in Western culture, “seppuku” is the formal and traditional Japanese term for this practice. The term “seppuku” is a combination of the characters “cut” (setsu) and “stomach” (fuku), and it is considered more respectful and accurate within Japanese culture. The act of seppuku was historically a way for samurai to die with honor rather than fall into enemy hands or face dishonor, and it was performed with a specific ritual and code of conduct.

What does hara-kiri mean in English?

Hara-kiri, also known as seppuku, is a term in Japanese culture that refers to a form of ritual suicide by disembowelment with a sword. This practice was historically carried out by samurai warriors as a means of preserving their honor or avoiding the shame of capture or punishment. The term “hara-kiri” is now commonly used in English to describe this act of self-disembowelment, which was seen as a way to die with dignity rather than face dishonor or defeat.

How do native Japanese speakers pronounce the word hara-kiri?

Native Japanese speakers pronounce the word “hara-kiri” as “ha-rah-kee-ree.” The first syllable “ha” is pronounced with a short “a” sound, similar to the “ha” in the English word “hat.” The second syllable “rah” is pronounced with a rolled or tapped “r” sound, which is common in Japanese pronunciation. The third syllable “kee” is pronounced with a long “ee” sound, similar to the “ee” in the English word “see.” The final syllable “ree” is pronounced with a short “ri” sound, similar to the “ri” in the English word “riddle.” Overall, the pronunciation of “hara-kiri” in Japanese is clear and distinct, with each syllable pronounced evenly and with the appropriate emphasis.

What is the pronunciation of hara-kiri by those familiar with Japanese traditions?

The pronunciation of “hara-kiri” by those familiar with Japanese traditions is “hah-rah-kee-ree.” In Japanese, the term is actually pronounced as “seppuku,” which means “stomach-cutting” in English. “Hara-kiri” is a more colloquial term used in the West to refer to the act of ritual suicide by samurai in Japan. The correct pronunciation is important to show respect for the cultural origins and traditions associated with the practice.

Can you demonstrate the proper pronunciation of hara-kiri?

The term “hara-kiri” is a Japanese term for the act of ritual suicide by disembowelment, also known as seppuku. The proper pronunciation of “hara-kiri” is “hah-rah-kee-ree.” The first syllable “hah” is pronounced with a short “a” sound, similar to the “ha” in the word “hut.” The second syllable “rah” is pronounced with a short “a” sound as well, similar to the “ra” in the word “ramp.” The third syllable “kee” is pronounced with a long “ee” sound, similar to the “key” in the word “key.” The final syllable “ree” is pronounced with a short “e” sound, similar to the “ree” in the word “reef.” It is important to pronounce each syllable distinctly and with the correct emphasis to accurately pronounce “hara-kiri.”

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