Learn How to Pronounce Nagasaki | YouPronounce.it

How to Pronounce Nagasaki

Quick Answer: In Japanese, the name Nagasaki is pronounced [naɡasaki], while in English it is pronounced [ˌnɑːɡəˈsɑːki].
(Listen to the audio below for the stress and intonation)

Meaning and Context

Nagasaki is a historic port city located on the northwestern coast of Kyushu Island in Japan, a nation renowned for blending deep tradition with modernity. Founded by Portuguese traders in the 16th century, it became a pivotal and unique window to the West during Japan's long period of isolation. This rich cultural exchange is still evident in its architecture and cuisine. However, Nagasaki is indelibly marked by being the target of the second atomic bomb dropped by the United States on August 9, 1945, during World War II, an event that led to Japan's surrender and forever shaped global discussions on nuclear warfare and peace. Today, the city is a profound symbol of resilience and peace, attracting visitors to the Nagasaki Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum, while also offering scenic beauty with its terraced hillsides, vibrant harbor, and famous Glover Garden. As a key destination for historical tourism in Japan, Nagasaki provides a powerful narrative on atomic bomb history, World War II memorials, and serves as a UNESCO World Heritage site with its hidden Christian sites, while also being a gateway to explore the Kyushu region and its hot springs.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The spelling "Nagasaki" is standardized in the Romanized Hepburn system and is consistently used in English. Common misspellings and typos often involve doubling the wrong letter or omitting one, such as "Nagsaki" (missing an 'a'), "Nagasakki" (doubling the 'k'), or "Nagasakee" (phonetic errors). Another frequent error is the conflation with "Hiroshima," the other Japanese city targeted by an atomic bomb, leading to mistaken references like "the bombing of Nagasaki in Hiroshima." In non-English contexts, particularly in Portuguese and Spanish, one may encounter the historical spelling "Nagasáqui," reflecting early European contact. When writing, it is crucial to maintain the correct single 'g' and single 'k' to ensure accuracy in both historical and travel-related contexts.

Example Sentences

Every visitor to Nagasaki should allocate a full day for the sobering yet essential experience of the Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Museum.

The city's famous Champon noodles, a hearty seafood dish, originated from its history as a port open to Chinese influence.

Despite the tragedy of 1945, Nagasaki has rebuilt itself into a vibrant and beautiful city, with evening views from Mount Inasa ranked among Japan's best nightscapes.

The historic Ōura Church, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, stands as a testament to the city's hidden Christian communities during the Edo period.

Many historians analyze the complex decision-making that led to the atomic bombing of Nagasaki just three days after the attack on Hiroshima.

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