How to pronounce anthem
Say it like AN-thum. Anthem has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce anthem. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AN
- thum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Anthem pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- thumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of anthem
American and British speakers say anthem in essentially the same way: /ˈænθəm/ in the US and /ˈænθəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: AN-thum.
What does anthem mean?
- a song of devotion or loyalty (as to a nation or school)
- a song of praise (to God or to a saint or to a nation)
Questions about saying anthem
How do you pronounce anthem?
Say AN-thum. The American pronunciation is /ˈænθəm/. In British English it is /ˈænθəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in anthem?
Anthem has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AN). Broken into parts: AN · thum.
Do Americans and Brits say anthem the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈænθəm/ and the British form is /ˈænθəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.