How to pronounce zugzwang
Say it like ZUHGZ-wang. Zugzwang has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZUHGZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce zugzwang. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ZUHGZ
- wang
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Zugzwang pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ZUHGZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- wangKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of zugzwang
American and British speakers say zugzwang in essentially the same way: /ˈzʌɡzwæŋ/ in the US and /ˈzʌɡzwæŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: ZUHGZ-wang.
What does zugzwang mean?
- A situation in which a player is forced to make a disadvantageous move; a position where any legal move will worsen a player's situation.
- A situation in which someone is forced to make a disadvantageous move.
- To force (a player) into a situation where they must make a disadvantageous move.
Where does zugzwang come from?
From German Zugzwang, from Zug (“move”) + Zwang (“compulsion”).
Questions about saying zugzwang
How do you pronounce zugzwang?
Say ZUHGZ-wang. The American pronunciation is /ˈzʌɡzwæŋ/. In British English it is /ˈzʌɡzwæŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in zugzwang?
Zugzwang has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZUHGZ). Broken into parts: ZUHGZ · wang.
Do Americans and Brits say zugzwang the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈzʌɡzwæŋ/ and the British form is /ˈzʌɡzwæŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.