samurai

Syllables:
sa·mu·rai
3 syllables
samurai in syllables

About "samurai"

Syllables
3
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "samurai" into Syllables

The word samurai is divided into 3 syllables: sa·mu·rai. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • sa — 1st syllable
  • mu — 2nd syllable
  • rai — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of samurai:

  • IPA: /ˈsæm(j)ʊɹaɪ/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. samurai (plural samurai or samurais)
  2. In feudal Japan, a soldier who served a daimyo.

📚 Word Origin & History

Borrowed from Japanese 侍 (samurai). From Japanese 侍 (samurai). Borrowed from Japanese 侍(さむらい) (samurai). Borrowed from Japanese 侍 (さむらい, samurai, archaic さぶらい, saburai), 連用形 (ren'yōkei, stem or continuative form) of the classical verb 侍ふ (saburafu, “to serve”), ultimately derived from さ (sa-, prefix meaning "early") + 守らふ (morafu, “to keep watch”). Borrowed from Japanese 侍 (samurai). Borrowed from French samouraï.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down samurai into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare samurai with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
samurai 3 sa·mu·rai
shimmery 3 shim-me-ry
sooner 2 soon-er
Samara 3 sa-ma-ra
schemer 2 schem-er

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to samurai:

Sam, same, Samar, samba, samey, Sammy, Samoa, Samara.

Frequently Asked Questions About "samurai"

How many syllables does "samurai" have?

samurai has 3 syllables: sa·mu·rai. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "samurai"?

The stress is on the first syllable: sa. This means you emphasize the "sa" part when pronouncing samurai.

How do you pronounce "samurai"?

samurai is pronounced as /ˈsæm(j)ʊɹaɪ/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: sa·mu·rai.

Is "samurai" easy to spell?

Breaking samurai into syllables helps with spelling: sa·mu·rai. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "samurai" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.