How to pronounce alphabet
Say it like AL-fuh-bet. Alphabet has three 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 alphabet. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AL
- fuh
- bet
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Alphabet 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.
- betGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of alphabet
American and British speakers say alphabet in essentially the same way: /ˈælfəˌbɛt/ in the US and /ˈælfəˌbɛt/ in the UK.
British respelling: AL-fuh-bet.
What does alphabet mean?
- a character set that includes letters and is used to write a language
- the elementary stages of any subject (usually plural)“he mastered only the rudiments of geometry”
Where does alphabet come from?
Doublet of alfabeto.
Questions about saying alphabet
How do you pronounce alphabet?
Say AL-fuh-bet. The American pronunciation is /ˈælfəˌbɛt/. In British English it is /ˈælfəˌbɛt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in alphabet?
Alphabet has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AL). Broken into parts: AL · fuh · bet.
Do Americans and Brits say alphabet the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈælfəˌbɛt/ and the British form is /ˈælfəˌbɛt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.