How do you pronounce tarot? If you've ever hesitated before saying the word aloud, you're not alone. "Tarot" is one of those words that trips people up, and there's ongoing debate about the "correct" pronunciation. Let's clear up the confusion once and for all.
The Short Answer: How to Pronounce Tarot
The most widely accepted English pronunciation is "TAIR-oh" (rhymes with "arrow" without the "w" sound at the end). The final "t" is silent.
Phonetically, it looks like this:
- /ˈtæroʊ/ - American English
- /ˈtærəʊ/ - British English
Think of it as two syllables: TAR-oh or TAIR-oh.
Common Mispronunciations to Avoid
Here are pronunciations you'll sometimes hear that are generally considered incorrect in English:
"Tuh-ROT" (with a hard T at the end)
This is the most common mistake. In French (where the word comes from) and in English usage, the final "t" is silent. Saying "tuh-ROT" marks you as unfamiliar with the word.
"TAR-it"
Another variation that adds sounds that aren't there. Remember - it's just two syllables, and the second one is "oh" not "it."
"TARE-oat"
Sometimes people over-pronounce the ending. Keep it simple: the ending sounds like the letter "O."
Why Is the T Silent?
The word "tarot" comes from French, specifically from the Italian "tarocchi" (the original name for the cards), which became "tarot" in French. In French, final consonants are often silent, and English preserved this pronunciation when adopting the word.
This follows a pattern you'll see in other French-origin words in English:
- Ballet (bah-LAY, not bal-LET)
- Depot (DEE-poh, not dee-POT)
- Buffet (buh-FAY, not BUFF-et)
- Rapport (ruh-POR, not rap-PORT)
Regional Variations
While "TAIR-oh" is standard, you might hear slight variations:
American English
Americans typically say "TAIR-oh" with a slightly flatter "a" sound, almost like "TAR-oh." Both are acceptable.
British English
British speakers often use a slightly more rounded vowel sound, closer to "TAH-roh."
French Pronunciation
In French, it's pronounced more like "tah-ROH" with the stress on the second syllable and a more guttural "r." Unless you're speaking French, you don't need to use this pronunciation.
What About "Tarot Cards"?
When saying "tarot cards," the pronunciation stays the same:
- "TAIR-oh cards" - Correct
- "tuh-ROT cards" - Incorrect
The same applies to phrases like:
- Tarot reading (TAIR-oh reading)
- Tarot spread (TAIR-oh spread)
- Tarot deck (TAIR-oh deck)
Does Pronunciation Really Matter?
Here's the honest truth: within the tarot community, you'll hear both pronunciations. While "TAIR-oh" is technically correct and more widely used, some longtime practitioners do say "tuh-ROT" - and they're still excellent readers.
That said, if you're:
- New to tarot and want to sound knowledgeable
- Doing professional readings
- Teaching tarot to others
- Speaking in formal or recorded settings
...using "TAIR-oh" is the safer choice. It's the pronunciation used by most professional tarot readers, teachers, and in academic discussions of the cards.
Etymology: Where Does the Word "Tarot" Come From?
Understanding the word's origin helps explain its pronunciation:
- Italian: Tarocchi - The original 15th-century Italian name for the cards (pronounced "tah-ROK-ee")
- French: Tarot - The French adaptation (pronounced "tah-ROH")
- English: Tarot - Borrowed from French with the silent "t" preserved
The ultimate origin of "tarocchi" is debated. Theories include:
- The Taro River in northern Italy
- Arabic "turuq" meaning "ways" or "paths"
- Latin "triumphus" (triumph) - the trump cards were called "trionfi"
None of these etymologies are definitively proven, adding to tarot's mystique.
Related Words and Their Pronunciations
While we're at it, here are other tarot-related terms and how to say them:
Major Arcana
"MAY-jur ar-KAH-nuh" or "MAY-jur ar-KAY-nuh"
"Arcana" comes from Latin meaning "secrets" or "mysteries." Both pronunciations of "arcana" are acceptable.
Minor Arcana
"MY-nur ar-KAH-nuh" - same pronunciation rules as Major Arcana
Pentacles
"PEN-tuh-kulz" - emphasis on the first syllable
Wands
"wahnds" - rhymes with "bonds"
Querent
"KWEER-ent" - the person receiving a tarot reading
Significator
"sig-NIF-ih-kay-tur" - a card chosen to represent the querent
Practice Makes Perfect
If you're still unsure, try saying these phrases out loud:
- "I'm learning to read TAIR-oh cards"
- "Would you like a TAIR-oh reading?"
- "The Fool is the first card in the TAIR-oh deck"
- "I pulled the Tower in my TAIR-oh spread today"
The more you say it correctly, the more natural it will become.
Confidence Is Key
Here's the most important thing: say it with confidence. Whether you choose "TAIR-oh" or even if you occasionally slip into "tuh-ROT," speaking confidently about tarot matters more than perfect pronunciation.
The tarot community is generally welcoming and understanding. Everyone started somewhere, and most readers care far more about your genuine interest in the cards than how you pronounce their name.
Summary: The Correct Pronunciation
To summarize:
- Correct: TAIR-oh (silent T at the end)
- Also acceptable: TAR-oh, TAH-roh
- Incorrect: tuh-ROT, TARE-oat, TAR-it
Now that you know how to pronounce tarot, you're ready to confidently discuss reading tarot cards, explore different tarot decks, and dive deeper into this fascinating practice. The cards are waiting for you!
