How to pronounce purdah
Say it like PUR-duh. Purdah has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce purdah. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈpɝdə/PUR-duh
UK British/ˈpɜːdə/PUR-duh
- PUR
- duh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Purdah pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of purdah
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUR-duh.
What does purdah mean?
noun
- A curtain, especially one used in some Hindu or Muslim traditions to conceal women from the gaze of people, particularly men and strangers.
- A long veil or other attire covering most of the body, worn by women in some Muslim societies.
- The situation or system of secluding women from the gaze of people, particularly men and strangers, in some Muslim and Hindu traditions, by using a curtain or screen, and/or wearing a face veil or attire covering most of the body.
Questions about saying purdah
How do you pronounce purdah?
Say PUR-duh. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɝdə/. In British English it is /ˈpɜːdə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in purdah?
Purdah has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR). Broken into parts: PUR · duh.
Is purdah pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈpɜːdə/ (PUR-duh).