Rakuten, the Japanese e-commerce giant founded by Hiroshi Mikitani in 1997, has grown to become a global brand. As you navigate the international business landscape, it’s important to know how to pronounce Rakuten correctly in English. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways to say Rakuten, as well as provide some tips and examples. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Pronunciation of Rakuten
When it comes to formal pronunciation, the key is to emphasize each syllable clearly. Follow these steps to pronounce Rakuten correctly:
- Start with the ‘ra’ sound, like the word “rah.”
- Proceed with the ‘ku’ sound, similar to “coo”.
- Follow up with the ‘ten’ sound, rhyming with “den”.
Putting it all together, the formal pronunciation of Rakuten can be phonetically represented as RAA-KOO-TEN. Remember to enunciate each syllable distinctly for a polished and professional pronunciation.
Informal Pronunciation of Rakuten
In informal settings, you might come across a slightly different pronunciation, influenced by English phonetics. Here’s how you can pronounce Rakuten in a more casual way:
- Start with the ‘rah’ sound, similar to “raw”.
- Continue with the ‘koo’ sound, like “cool”.
- End with the ‘ten’ sound, rhyming with “den”.
When pronounced informally, Rakuten would sound like RAH-KOOL-TEN. This pronunciation is commonly used among English speakers, so don’t be surprised if you hear it pronounced this way.
Tips and Examples
1. Take Advantage of Syllable Breaks
To ensure clarity, especially when speaking to non-native English speakers, emphasize the syllable breaks in “Rakuten.” Try pronouncing each syllable separately: “Rah-Koo-Ten.” This will help listeners catch each syllable and understand the word more easily.
2. Practice Pronunciation with Familiar Words
If you’re struggling with the pronunciation, try associating the syllables with familiar words. For example, “RAH” could be related to the word “raw,” “KOO” to “cool,” and “TEN” to “den.” By connecting the sounds to words you already know, it becomes simpler to pronounce “Rakuten” correctly.
3. Listen to Native English Speakers
Listening to native English speakers pronounce “Rakuten” is an effective way to learn and pick up the correct pronunciation. You can explore online videos, podcasts, or interviews featuring English-speaking individuals or those working in the e-commerce industry. Pay attention to their pronunciation and try to mimic it.
Note: While regional variations may exist in pronunciation, we recommend focusing on the formal and informal pronunciations mentioned above. These guidelines will equip you with the most widely recognized and understood pronunciations of Rakuten in English.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding how to say Rakuten in English correctly is essential when discussing this global e-commerce giant. By following the formal and informal pronunciation guides provided, you can confidently pronounce “Rakuten” in any setting. Remember to emphasize syllable breaks, practice with familiar words, and listen to native English speakers to perfect your pronunciation. Now, go ahead and impress others with your accurate pronunciation of Rakuten!
