How to pronounce Amsterdam
Say it like AM-ster-dam. Amsterdam has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Amsterdam. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AM
- ster
- dam
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Amsterdam pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- sterKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- damGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of Amsterdam
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: AM-stuh-dam.
What does Amsterdam mean?
- A town in Mpumalanga province, South Africa.
Where does Amsterdam come from?
Borrowed from Dutch Amsterdam.
Questions about saying Amsterdam
How do you pronounce Amsterdam?
Say AM-ster-dam. The American pronunciation is /ˈæmstɚˌdæm/. In British English it is /ˈæmstəˌdæm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AM). Broken into parts: AM · ster · dam.
Is Amsterdam pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈæmstəˌdæm/ (AM-stuh-dam).