A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Taj Mahal
The iconic marble mausoleum in Agra, India, built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife.
taj mahal
TAHZH muh-HAHL
/ˈtɑːʒ məˈhɑːl/ · TAHZH · muh · HAHL
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
The Taj Mahal is frequently mentioned in travel guides, documentaries about India, and when discussing world heritage sites. You might also hear it in conversations about famous architecture or historical landmarks.
Where the word comes from
From Persian 'tāj' meaning 'crown' and Arabic 'maḥall' meaning 'palace'. It's essentially 'Crown of Palaces'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- TAYJ muh-HALL The first syllable is a long 'ah' sound like in 'father', not an 'ay' sound like in 'say'.
- TAHJ muh-HAHL The 'j' sound is voiced, like the 's' in 'pleasure' or 'measure', not an unvoiced 'ch' sound.
Frequently asked
What is the Taj Mahal?
The Taj Mahal is a magnificent ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in Agra, India. It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Is the Taj Mahal a palace or a tomb?
It is primarily a mausoleum, built as a tomb for Mumtaz Mahal. While it has palace-like elements and was part of a larger complex, its main purpose is funerary.
What does Taj Mahal mean?
The name 'Taj Mahal' is derived from Persian and Arabic. 'Taj' means 'crown' and 'Mahal' means 'palace', so it translates to 'Crown of Palaces'.
