Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

yaku

/ˈjɑː.kuː/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.68 in modern English

Syllables: yaku
IPA: /ˈjɑː.kuː/

11

Scrabble Score

4

Letters

1

Syllables

4

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A condition that scores points when met, usually in the form of a specific combination of tiles or cards.

Example Sentences

"There are certain combinations of hands called “Yaku,” which, if held by a player, either among his tricks or in his hand, entitle him to certain payments from the other players."
"It's a lot of fun for me as I'm just getting to know all the combinations (of three cards each) for yaku, which means the other fellow must subtract 50 from his score."
"Yakus determine whether you can make a mahjong."
"I'm still learning all the yaku though!"
"Of course, since the hand is open, it doesn't earn the 1-han yaku for a true Pinfu hand."
"The wisteria ribbon is used in two yaku sets. This is allowed because a player may use the same card to score from more than one yaku category."

Etymology

Borrowed from Japanese 役 (yaku).

Inflected Forms

yakus (plural)

Synonyms

pattern meld

Questions

How do you pronounce yaku?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈjɑː.kuː/.
What does yaku mean?: A condition that scores points when met, usually in the form of a specific combination of tiles or cards.
Where does yaku come from?: Borrowed from Japanese 役 (yaku).

How to pronounce yaku

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “yaku”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/ˈjɑː.kuː/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “yaku”.
Repeat and practice — Say “yaku” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.