How to pronounce alas
Say it like uh-LAS. Alas has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LAS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce alas. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- LAS
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alas pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- LASSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of alas
American and British speakers say alas in essentially the same way: /əˈlæs/ in the US and /əˈlæs/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-LAS.
What does alas mean?
- by bad luck“unfortunately it rained all day”“alas, I cannot stay”
Where does alas come from?
From Middle English alas, from Old French a las (French hélas), from a (“ah”) + las, from Latin lassus (“weary”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with alas
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of alas.
Questions about saying alas
How do you pronounce alas?
Say uh-LAS. The American pronunciation is /əˈlæs/. In British English it is /əˈlæs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alas?
Alas has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (LAS). Broken into parts: uh · LAS.
Do Americans and Brits say alas the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈlæs/ and the British form is /əˈlæs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.