2 syllables: Mei, ji. Stress on Mei.
MAY-jee
/ˈmeɪˌdʒi/
Meiji is pronounced MAY-jee (/ˈmeɪˌdʒi/). It has two syllables (Mei-ji), with the stress on "Mei". Meiji refers to the period of Japanese modernization from 1868 to 1912, and by extension to the empire and its leaders who implemented rapid Western-style reforms. The term also denotes the associated institutions, people, and cultural shifts of that era. In pronunciation, it is a two-syllable word derived from Japanese, typically stressed on the first syllable. The widely recognized English usage often refers to the Meiji era or Meiji government and related institutions.
nounMeiji refers to the period of Japanese modernization from 1868 to 1912, and by extension to the empire and its leaders who implemented rapid Western-style reforms. The term also denotes the associated institutions, people, and cultural shifts of that era. In pronunciation, it is a two-syllable word derived from Japanese, typically stressed on the first syllable. The widely recognized English usage often refers to the Meiji era or Meiji government and related institutions.
How to Pronounce Meiji
"- He studied the Meiji Restoration to understand Japan's modernization."
"- The Meiji era reshaped Japan's political and social structure."
"- She collected Meiji-era artifacts for her museum exhibit."
Pronounce it MEI-ji, with stress on the first syllable. IPA: /ˈmeɪdʒi/. Start with the /meɪ/ as in “may,” then the /dʒi/ as in “gee,” but softer, like “j ee.” The tongue starts high for /eɪ/ and moves to a light /dʒ/ onset followed by a short /i/. Audio reference: you can compare with recordings labeled 'Meiji' in Pronounce or Forvo for authentic Japanese pronunciation, then adjust toward an English-leaning version if needed.
Common errors: (1) Misplacing stress as ME-i-ji or de-emphasizing the /ˈ/; (2) Rendering /dʒ/ as a pure /j/ like in 'me-ji' without the proper affricate; (3) Lengthening the vowels too much, especially /eɪ/; (4) Borrowing a strong Japanese flat tone instead of the light English-flavored rhythm. Correction: keep /meɪ/ as a single, crisp syllable, then /dʒi/ with a short vowel; place primary stress on the first syllable and maintain a natural, two-syllable rhythm.
US/UK/AU share /ˈmeɪdʒi/ but voice quality and rhythm differ. US tends to a slightly rhotic, clearer /ɹ/ presence in connected speech, UK often shows crisper hygiene with shorter /eɪ/ diphthong realization, AU follows similar to UK but with often broader mouth opening on /eɪ/ and a more relaxed /i/ at the end. The key is maintaining /meɪ/ first syllable as a strong diphthong, then a clipped /dʒi/.
The difficulty lies in the combination of a strong English diphthong /eɪ/ followed by the voiced palato-alveolar affricate /dʒ/ and a final short /i/. The transition between the diphthong and affricate can lead to a slurred or misarticulated /dʒ/ if you’re not prepared. Focus on a clean release: /meɪ/ with a distinct /dʒ/ onset and a quick, light /i/ gloss at the end.
Meiji is two syllables with primary stress on the first: /ˈmeɪ.dʒi/. A unique point is keeping the /dʒ/ as a voiced affricate rather than a soft /j/ or a separate /d/ sound; the transition from the diphthong /eɪ/ to the /dʒ/ should be tight, with the /i/ staying short and clipped. In careful speech, that crisp boundary helps the word stay distinctly two syllables.
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Meiji is a Japanese name formed from two kanji: 明治. 明 (mei) means "bright, clear" and 治 (ji) means "govern, restore, rule." The term literally conveys the idea of enlightened rule. In Japanese history, the Meiji Restoration marked the shift from the Tokugawa shogunate to imperial rule and rapid modernization. The word emerged in the 1860s-1870s as reformers selected a name signaling enlightenment and governance. As Japan opened to the West, the Meiji government used the label to brand a new era of modernization, industrialization, and centralized authority. In English usage, “Meiji” has primarily a historical, institutional, and cultural connotation, often with capital letters, and appears in phrases like “Meiji era,” “Meiji Restoration,” and “Meiji government.” The first English appearances are in 19th-century texts describing Japanese reforms. Over time, the term has broadened to include Meiji-period literature, art, and education, retaining a strong historical aura and signaling a period of rapid, state-led transformation.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Meiji" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Meiji" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Meiji"
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