How to pronounce benzene
Say it like BEN-zeen. Benzene has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce benzene. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BEN
- zeen
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Benzene pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- zeenKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of benzene
American and British speakers say benzene in essentially the same way: /ˈbɛnzin/ in the US and /ˈbɛnzin/ in the UK.
British respelling: BEN-zeen.
Other ways to say benzene
Benzene also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- ben-ZEEN /bɛnˈzin/
What does benzene mean?
- An aromatic hydrocarbon of formula C₆H₆ whose structure consists of a ring of alternate single and double bonds.
- Sometimes used in place of the phenyl group.
Where does benzene come from?
Not related to German Benz (surname).
Questions about saying benzene
How do you pronounce benzene?
Say BEN-zeen. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɛnzin/. In British English it is /ˈbɛnzin/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in benzene?
Benzene has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BEN). Broken into parts: BEN · zeen.
Do Americans and Brits say benzene the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbɛnzin/ and the British form is /ˈbɛnzin/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.