mora: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Academic / Technical
Quick answer
What does “mora” mean?
A unit of sound in a language that measures syllable weight or length, smaller than a syllable but often equivalent to a short vowel or a simple consonant following it.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of sound in a language that measures syllable weight or length, smaller than a syllable but often equivalent to a short vowel or a simple consonant following it.
In linguistics, phonology, and poetry, a mora is a basic unit of timing. In Japanese and some other languages, morae are used to structure poetry (like haiku) and define rhythm.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Used identically in linguistic scholarship in both varieties.
Connotations
Purely technical, academic. No cultural connotations.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Exclusively used in linguistics, phonology, and poetry studies.
Grammar
How to Use “mora” in a Sentence
The syllable consists of two morae.A long vowel typically counts as two morae.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mora” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- In Japanese phonology, the mora is a fundamental concept.
- The first chapter explains the mora in detail.
American English
- Linguists use the mora to analyze syllable weight.
- His thesis focused on the mora in Ancient Greek poetry.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Essential term in linguistics and phonology courses.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term for describing syllable structure in specific languages and poetic meters.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mora”
- Pronouncing it /məˈrɑː/ (like 'aura').
- Using it as a general term for 'syllable'.
- Misspelling as 'morae' (plural) when meaning singular.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A syllable can contain one or more morae. For example, in Japanese, the syllable 'kyo' (きょ) is one syllable but two morae.
The plural is 'morae' (pronounced /ˈmɔːriː/ or /ˈmɔːraɪ/).
In Japanese, the name 'Naoko' (なおこ) is pronounced in three morae: na-o-ko. The 'o' is a separate, elongated mora.
No. Mora is a relevant concept only for languages where syllable weight or length is phonologically important, such as Japanese, Finnish, and Classical Latin.
Mora is usually academic / technical in register.
Mora: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɔːrə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɔrə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
MORA rhymes with 'aura' and 'flora'. Think: 'The rhythm of Japanese haiku depends on counting MORAE, not syllables.'
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE AS MUSIC (a mora is a 'beat' in the rhythm of a word).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'mora' primarily used?