3 syllables: I, ra, qi. Stress on ra.
ir-AK-ee
/ˌɪˈɹæki/
Iraqi is pronounced ir-AK-ee (/ˌɪˈɹæki/). It has three syllables (I-ra-qi), with the stress on "ra". Iraqi is an adjective relating to Iraq, its people, or their language. In English usage, it typically precedes a noun (the Iraqi government) or describes nationality (an Iraqi citizen). The word often interacts with stress patterns and vowel qualities influenced by its Arabic origin, but is commonly pronounced with two syllables and a light, unstressed ending in many accents.
adjectiveIraqi is an adjective relating to Iraq, its people, or their language. In English usage, it typically precedes a noun (the Iraqi government) or describes nationality (an Iraqi citizen). The word often interacts with stress patterns and vowel qualities influenced by its Arabic origin, but is commonly pronounced with two syllables and a light, unstressed ending in many accents.
How to Pronounce Iraqi
"The Iraqi government announced new reforms."
"Many Iraqi citizens gather for the national festival."
"She studied Iraqi history in university."
Pronounce as two syllables with primary stress on the first: /ɪˈræ.ki/ (US), /ˈɪə.rɑː.ki/ (UK), /ˈɪə.ræk.i/ (AU). Begin with the short, lax vowel in the first syllable, then a clear /ræ/ or /rə/ depending on dialect, ending with a light /ki/. Pronunciation tip: keep the second syllable unstressed and fairly quick. As you say it, aim for a clean /r/ followed by a short /a/ or /æ/ and a crisp /ki/.”,
Common errors: treating it as three syllables (I-ra-qi) with an exaggerated second vowel; turning the second syllable into a full /riː/ or /ri/ instead of a reduced /rə/ or /ræ/. Another mistake is misplacing the stress, giving equal weight to all syllables. Correction: stress the first syllable, keep the second syllable reduced, and end with a crisp /ki/. Practice with /ɪˈræ.ki/ (US) or /ˈɪə.rɑː.ki/ (UK) and aim for a quick, light final consonant.
US often uses /ɪˈræ.ki/ with a shorter first vowel and a clearer /ki/ ending. UK may favor /ˈɪə.rɑː.ki/ or /ˈɪə.ræk.i/, with a more rounded, longer first vowel and a less rhotacized sound. Australian tends toward /ˈɪə.ræk.i/ with a neutral ending and a slightly broader /æ/ or /æː/ in the second syllable. Across all, the ending is a light /ki/, not a stressed vowel, and the second syllable is typically unstressed.
Key challenges include the short, reduced second syllable and the non-final /i/ or /iː/ vowel in rapid speech. The transition from the stressed first syllable to a subdued second can feel abrupt, making it easy to over-articulate the second vowel or insert an extra syllable. Additionally, the /r/ and the natural vowel quality shift between dialects require careful mouth positioning. Practicing with IPA helps pinpoint the exact mouth shape and timing.
Focus on maintaining a clean first syllable with clear but not drawn-out stress, then achieve a short, relaxed second syllable before the final /ki/. The tricky part is keeping the second syllable reduced in fast speech while not compromising the consonant cluster at the end. Use minimal pairs and syllable-timed exercises to train the rhythm, and listen to native audio to feel the natural reduction.
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Iraqi derives from Iraq, the country in the Middle East. The term entered English through French and Italian intermediaries, reflecting the toponym Iraq itself, which originates from ancient Mesopotamian references. The adjective form Iraqi first appeared in English during the 19th to early 20th centuries as Western scholars, diplomats, and observers described the region and its people. The root word Iraq likely derives from the Akkadian word arākā, or from a Sumerian or Semitic cognate referring to a broad geographic area associated with the Tigris–Euphrates river valley. Over time, Iraqi has been used in demonyms to describe citizens (an Iraqi) and things pertaining to Iraq (Iraqi culture, Iraqi law). The word’s meaning has evolved with political changes in the region, but its core sense remains tied to association with the country of Iraq and its inhabitants.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Iraqi" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Iraqi" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Iraqi" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Iraqi"
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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