Pronunciation: [bˈɛnkə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "benko" is spelled with a "b" sound followed by a "ɛn" sound, represented by the letter "e." The "k" sound at the end of the word is represented by the letter "k." When using IPA phonetic transcription, "benko" is spelled as /bɛnko/. This spelling accurately represents the pronunciation of the word, with emphasis on the second syllable. "Benko" is a Hungarian surname that means "white."
The word "benko" is primarily associated with two distinct meanings, each with its own etymology:
1. "Benko" as a Slovak or Hungarian surname:
The surname "Benko" most commonly originates from Slovakia and Hungary. It is derived from a Hungarian personal name, "Benedek", which is the Hungarian form of the Latin name "Benedictus". The personal name "Benedek" or "Benedictus" comes from the Latin word "benedictus", meaning "blessed" or "fortunate". Over time, "Benedek" or "Benedictus" has evolved into the surname "Benko" in the Slovak and Hungarian languages.
2. "Benko" as a chess term:
In chess, the term "Benko" refers to the "Benko Gambit", which is a particular opening strategy.
