How to pronounce taekwondo
Say it like TAK-wahn-DOH. Taekwondo has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAK).
- TAK
- wahn
- DOH
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Taekwondo pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- wahnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- DOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of taekwondo
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: ty-kwon-DOH.
Other ways to say taekwondo
Taekwondo also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- ty-KWAHN-doh /taɪˈkwɑndoʊ/
What does taekwondo mean?
- A martial art from Korea, known for its elaborate kicking techniques. The sparring aspect is a recognised Olympic sport.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- tae kwon do
Words that rhyme with taekwondo
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of taekwondo.
Questions about saying taekwondo
How do you pronounce taekwondo?
Say TAK-wahn-DOH. The American pronunciation is /ˈtæˌkwɑnˈdoʊ/. In British English it is /ˌtaɪkwɒnˈdəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in taekwondo?
Taekwondo has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TAK). Broken into parts: TAK · wahn · DOH.
Is taekwondo pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3. The British form is /ˌtaɪkwɒnˈdəʊ/ (ty-kwon-DOH).