How to pronounce carnal
Say it like KAR-nul. Carnal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce carnal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAR
- nul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Carnal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- nulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of carnal
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAH-nul.
What does carnal mean?
- Relating to the physical and especially sexual appetites or activities.
- Worldly or earthly; temporal.
- Of or relating to the body or flesh.
Where does carnal come from?
From Middle English carnal, from Old French charnel, from Late Latin carnālis (“fleshy”), from oblique stem of Latin carō, carnis (“meat, flesh”) + -ālis (whence -al).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying carnal
How do you pronounce carnal?
Say KAR-nul. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑrnəl/. In British English it is /ˈkɑːnəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in carnal?
Carnal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAR). Broken into parts: KAR · nul.
Is carnal 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 /ˈkɑːnəl/ (KAH-nul).