How to pronounce polka
Say it like POHL-kah. Polka has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POHL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce polka. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- POHL
- kah
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Polka pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- POHLSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- kahKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of polka
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: POL-kuh.
What does polka mean?
- A lively dance originating in Bohemia.
- The music for this dance.
- A polka jacket.
- To dance the polka.
Where does polka come from?
Via French and German from Czech polka, variant of půlka (“half”) as in "half-step"; see půl (“half”).
Questions about saying polka
How do you pronounce polka?
Say POHL-kah. The American pronunciation is /ˈpoʊlkɑ/. In British English it is /ˈpɒlkə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in polka?
Polka has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POHL). Broken into parts: POHL · kah.
Is polka pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈpɒlkə/ (POL-kuh).