How to pronounce Antarctica
Say it like an-TARK-tih-kuh. Antarctica has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TARK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Antarctica. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- an
- TARK
- tih
- kuh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Antarctica pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- anGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- TARKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Antarctica
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: an-TAHK-tih-kuh.
What does Antarctica mean?
- The southernmost continent, south of the Southern Ocean, containing the South Pole.
Questions about saying Antarctica
How do you pronounce Antarctica?
Say an-TARK-tih-kuh. The American pronunciation is /ˌænˈtɑrktɪkə/. In British English it is /ˌænˈtɑːktɪkə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Antarctica?
Antarctica has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TARK). Broken into parts: an · TARK · tih · kuh.
Is Antarctica 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 /ˌænˈtɑːktɪkə/ (an-TAHK-tih-kuh).