English pronunciation · Words Starting with K

Karen Pronunciation

Karen is pronounced KE-ruhn, IPA /ˈkɛrən/.

KE-ruhn

US /ˈkɛrən/

Syllables: KE · ruhn (2 syllables, stress on syllable 1)

noun (proper): A female first name, and since about 2020 a slang label for a demanding customer.

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Karen in a Sentence

  • Karen has worked here longer than anyone.
  • We left a message for Karen at reception.
  • The sketch is about a Karen arguing with a waiter.

Common Mispronunciations of Karen

Not kuh-REN

KE opens loud and the ending drops to a weak ruhn with nothing in it.

Not KAR-en

The first vowel is the one in care rather than the one in car, which is what keeps the name clear of Karan.

Tip: Karen, Karin and Caren are all said the same way in English, whatever the spelling on the form.

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