Learn How to Pronounce Lhasa | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Lhasa
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)
Meaning and Context
Lhasa, the administrative capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region in the People's Republic of China, is a city of profound spiritual and historical resonance, situated at a staggering altitude of approximately 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) on the northern slopes of the Himalayas. Revered as the traditional seat of the Dalai Lama and the heart of Tibetan Buddhism, its landscape is dominated by iconic landmarks such as the majestic Potala Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the sacred Jokhang Temple, which draws pilgrims from across the Tibetan Plateau. The city's rich cultural heritage is further embodied in ancient monasteries like Sera Monastery and Drak Yerpa, while its high-altitude location presents a unique climate and environment. As a pivotal center for Tibet tourism, Lhasa serves as the primary gateway for travelers seeking to explore the region's history, with its Barkhor Street pilgrimage circuit offering an immersive experience of local devotion and traditional crafts. The city's status was formally established as the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region upon its creation in 1965.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The spelling "Lhasa" is the standard and most widely accepted Romanization, derived from the Tibetan name ལྷ་ས་ (Lhasa), meaning "Place of the Gods." Common misspellings and typos often arise from phonetic guesses or keyboard errors, such as "Lasah," "Lahsa," or "Lasa." The latter, "Lasa," is a frequent error, likely due to the silent 'h' in pronunciation for many non-native speakers, and it is important to distinguish it from the similarly spelled but unrelated city of Lasă in Romania. Historically, older English texts may use the spelling "Lhassa," an alternative transliteration that has largely fallen out of contemporary use. Another less common variant is "Lha Sa," which treats the two syllables separately. When searching for information, using the correct spelling is crucial for accessing authoritative resources on the city's history and travel information.
Example Sentences
Every pilgrim's journey across the Tibetan Plateau ultimately converges on Lhasa, where the golden roofs of the Jokhang Temple gleam under the intense high-altitude sun.
Our tour itinerary focused on Lhasa for the first three days to allow for proper acclimatization before visiting the surrounding valleys.
The debate among scholars often centers on how Lhasa has evolved from a secluded spiritual epicenter into a modern administrative capital while retaining its sacred aura.
As we navigated the bustling stalls of Barkhor Street, the palpable sense of devotion reminded us that Lhasa remains the living heart of Tibetan Buddhist culture.
The Potala Palace, towering over the city, stands as an enduring symbol of Lhasa's historical and political significance for centuries.
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