How to pronounce alpha
Say it like AL-fuh. Alpha 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 alpha. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AL
- fuh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alpha 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.
- fuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of alpha
American and British speakers say alpha in essentially the same way: /ˈælfə/ in the US and /ˈælfə/ in the UK.
British respelling: AL-fuh.
What does alpha mean?
- the 1st letter of the Greek alphabet
- the beginning of a series or sequence“the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end”
- first in order of importance“the alpha male in the group of chimpanzees”“the alpha star in a constellation is the brightest or main star”
- early testing stage of a software or hardware product“alpha version”
Words that rhyme with alpha
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of alpha.
Questions about saying alpha
How do you pronounce alpha?
Say AL-fuh. The American pronunciation is /ˈælfə/. In British English it is /ˈælfə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alpha?
Alpha has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AL). Broken into parts: AL · fuh.
Do Americans and Brits say alpha the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈælfə/ and the British form is /ˈælfə/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.