How Do You Spell MADAMA BUTTERFLY?

Pronunciation: [madˈɑːmə bˈʌtəflˌa͡ɪ] (IPA)

The spelling of "Madama Butterfly" might seem unusual to English speakers. However, the spelling is based on the Italian language pronunciation of the word. The first two syllables are pronounced as "ma-da", with emphasis on the first syllable. The final syllable is pronounced as "bu-te-ri", with emphasis on the third syllable. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled as /maˈdaːma ˈbatterflai/. So, the spelling might be strange, but it accurately reflects the Italian pronunciation of the famous opera character.

Meaning and Definition
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MADAMA BUTTERFLY Meaning and Definition

  1. Madama Butterfly is an Italian opera composed by Giacomo Puccini. It premiered in 1904 and is based on a play written by David Belasco. The term "madama" translates to "madam" or "lady," while "butterfly" refers to the main character, Cio-Cio San.

    In the context of the opera, "Madama Butterfly" refers to the tragic tale of a young Japanese geisha named Cio-Cio San, who falls in love with an American naval officer, Lieutenant Pinkerton. Despite Pinkerton's initial intentions of a temporary marriage, Cio-Cio San genuinely believes that their union is permanent and he will return to her.

    The story unfolds with Cio-Cio San's unwavering devotion to Pinkerton, even in the face of neglect and betrayal. She waits patiently for his return, raising their child alone. However, her hopes and dreams are shattered when Pinkerton eventually returns to Japan, married to an American woman. Consumed by heartbreak and despair, Cio-Cio San ultimately makes the heartbreaking decision to end her own life.

    "Madama Butterfly" has gained immense popularity and is considered one of the most frequently performed operas worldwide. Its powerful music, emotional storyline, and exploration of themes such as love, sacrifice, and cultural clashes have captivated audiences for over a century. The opera's tragic ending and exploration of cultural differences continue to resonate with audiences, making it a staple of the operatic repertoire.

Etymology of MADAMA BUTTERFLY

The word "Madama Butterfly" is the title of an opera composed by Giacomo Puccini in 1904. It tells the tragic story of a Japanese girl, Cio-Cio-San (nicknamed Butterfly), who falls in love with an American naval officer, Lieutenant Pinkerton. The etymology of the term "Madama Butterfly" is derived from the combination of two words:

1. "Madama": In Italian, "Madama" is a respectful form of addressing a lady, similar to "Madam" in English. It is a title of courtesy used to show respect or politeness towards someone.

2. "Butterfly": Refers to the main character of the opera, Cio-Cio-San, who is given the nickname "Butterfly". This name symbolizes her beauty, fragility, and transformation throughout the story.