How to pronounce Belfast
Say it like BEL-fast. Belfast has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BEL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Belfast. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BEL
- fast
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Belfast pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BELSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- fastGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of Belfast
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: BEL-fahst.
What does Belfast mean?
- The capital and largest city of Northern Ireland.
Where does Belfast come from?
From Irish Béal Feirste (literally “mouth of the River Farset”).
Questions about saying Belfast
How do you pronounce Belfast?
Say BEL-fast. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɛlˌfæst/. In British English it is /ˈbɛlˌfɑːst/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Belfast?
Belfast has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BEL). Broken into parts: BEL · fast.
Is Belfast pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat. The British form is /ˈbɛlˌfɑːst/ (BEL-fahst).