How to pronounce Afghanistan
Say it like af-GAN-uh-stan. Afghanistan has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (GAN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Afghanistan. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- af
- GAN
- uh
- stan
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Afghanistan pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- afKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- GANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- stanGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of Afghanistan
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: af-GAN-ih-stahn.
What does Afghanistan mean?
- A landlocked country between Central Asia and South Asia. Official name: Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Capital and largest city: Kabul.
Questions about saying Afghanistan
How do you pronounce Afghanistan?
Say af-GAN-uh-stan. The American pronunciation is /æfˈɡænəˌstæn/. In British English it is /æfˈɡænɪˌstɑːn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Afghanistan?
Afghanistan has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (GAN). Broken into parts: af · GAN · uh · stan.
Is Afghanistan pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat. The British form is /æfˈɡænɪˌstɑːn/ (af-GAN-ih-stahn).