Learn How to Pronounce Sarah Bernhardt | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Sarah Bernhardt

Quick Answer: In French, the name Sarah Bernhardt is pronounced [sa.ʁa bɛʁ.naʁ].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Sarah Bernhardt, born Henriette-Rosine Bernard in Paris in 1844, was a legendary French stage actress whose extraordinary talent and innovative approach revolutionized theater and early cinema. Rising to international stardom in the late 19th century, she became a global icon of the performing arts, celebrated for her commanding voice, emotional intensity, and mastery of tragic heroines in the French theater canon. Her iconic performances in classic plays such as 'Phèdre' by Racine and 'La Dame aux Camélias' by Dumas fils at the Comédie-Française and later in her own touring company solidified her reputation as 'The Divine Sarah.' Bernhardt's influence extended beyond the stage; she was a pioneer in silent film, a shrewd businesswoman managing her own theaters, and a sculptor and painter, embodying the very essence of the theatrical celebrity. Her legacy as a trailblazing actress and a cornerstone of theatrical history endures, symbolizing the golden age of 19th century theatre and the birth of modern stardom.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct spelling is Sarah Bernhardt. Common errors and variations often arise from phonetic misspellings or the incorporation of her title. Frequent misspellings include "Sarah Bernhart" (omitting the 'd'), "Sara Bernhardt" (using one 'h' in Sarah), and "Sarah Bernard" (confusing her stage name with her birth surname, which was Bernard). Some may erroneously write "Sarah Bernhard," again dropping the final 't'. Her iconic title, 'The Divine Sarah,' is also sometimes misspelled as "The Devine Sarah," substituting an 'e' for the 'i' in "Divine." When referencing her in French contexts, it is important to note the proper accent in 'Phèdre' and 'La Dame aux Camélias,' as omitting the grave accent on "Phèdre" is a common typographical oversight.

Example Sentences

Art historians often cite Sarah Bernhardt's portrayal of Hamlet in 1899 as a daring and groundbreaking moment that challenged traditional gender roles in theater.

The museum's exhibition on Belle Époque Paris features a stunning collection of original posters advertising Sarah Bernhardt's international tours.

Her performance in La Dame aux Camélias was so profoundly moving that audiences were reportedly left in tears night after night.

Modern actors still study the vocal techniques and dramatic pauses that made Sarah Bernhardt's delivery so uniquely powerful.

Despite losing a leg later in life, the indomitable Bernhardt continued to perform, adapting roles to be played while seated or carried on stage.

The term "monstre sacré," or sacred monster, used to describe towering figures in the arts, is frequently applied to the legacy of Sarah Bernhardt.

Related Pronunciations

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