How to pronounce alif
Say it like AL-if. Alif has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce alif. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AL
- if
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alif pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- ifKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of alif
American and British speakers say alif in essentially the same way: /ˈælɪf/ in the US and /ˈælɪf/ in the UK.
British respelling: AL-if.
What does alif mean?
- The first letter of the Arabic alphabet: ا (ʔalif).
Questions about saying alif
How do you pronounce alif?
Say AL-if. The American pronunciation is /ˈælɪf/. In British English it is /ˈælɪf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alif?
Alif has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AL). Broken into parts: AL · if.
Do Americans and Brits say alif the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈælɪf/ and the British form is /ˈælɪf/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.