How to pronounce asparagus
Say it like uh-SPER-uh-gus. Asparagus has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce asparagus. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- SPER
- uh
- gus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Asparagus pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- SPERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- gusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of asparagus
American and British speakers say asparagus in essentially the same way: /əˈspɛrəɡəs/ in the US and /əˈspærəɡəs/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-SPAR-uh-gus.
What does asparagus mean?
- Any of various perennial plants of the genus Asparagus having leaflike stems, scalelike leaves, and small flowers.
- The young shoots of Asparagus officinalis eaten as a vegetable.
- A green color, like that of an asparagus.
Questions about saying asparagus
How do you pronounce asparagus?
Say uh-SPER-uh-gus. The American pronunciation is /əˈspɛrəɡəs/. In British English it is /əˈspærəɡəs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in asparagus?
Asparagus has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (SPER). Broken into parts: uh · SPER · uh · gus.
Do Americans and Brits say asparagus the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈspɛrəɡəs/ and the British form is /əˈspærəɡəs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.