In Finnish, the word "rakkaus" means love and is pronounced as "RAK-kous". To get the
pronunciation just right, follow these simple instructions.
Breaking Down the Syllables
Rakkaus has two syllables: RAK and kous. Break the word down into these smaller parts to help you pronounce it properly. Focus on each syllable individually before putting them together.
Stress and Vowel Sounds
In the
Finnish language, the stress is usually placed on the first syllable in words. In the case of "rakkaus," the stress should be placed on "RAK."
For the
vowel sounds in "rakkaus," note that the Finnish "a" has a short and open sound, like the "a" in "cat." The "u" has a somewhat rounded vowel sound, similar to the "u" in "put."
Consonants: Double Consonant Rule
When pronouncing "rakkaus," pay attention to the double consonant "k." In Finnish, doubled consonants produce a short stop between sounds, or a "
glottal stop." This pause between sounds should be noticeable when you pronounce "rakkaus" correctly.
Put It All Together
Now that you know how to break down the word and understand the stress, vowel sounds, and double consonants, it's time to put it all together. Pronounce "RAK" with emphasis and a short "a" sound. Then, add the "kous" making sure to give a short pause between the "k" consonants.
There you have it – the correct pronunciation of "rakkaus" in Finnish is RAK-kous. Practice saying it a few times, and soon you'll be able to confidently express love in the Finnish language.