How to pronounce chemical
Say it like KEM-uh-kul. Chemical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce chemical. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KEM
- uh
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Chemical pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KEMSay 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.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of chemical
American and British speakers say chemical in essentially the same way: /ˈkɛməkəl/ in the US and /ˈkɛmɪkəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: KEM-ih-kul.
What does chemical mean?
- relating to or used in chemistry“chemical engineer”“chemical balance”
- of or made from or using substances produced by or used in reactions involving atomic or molecular changes“chemical fertilizer”
- material produced by or used in a reaction involving changes in atoms or molecules
Where does chemical come from?
From New Latin chēmicus + -al.
Questions about saying chemical
How do you pronounce chemical?
Say KEM-uh-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɛməkəl/. In British English it is /ˈkɛmɪkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in chemical?
Chemical has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KEM). Broken into parts: KEM · uh · kul.
Do Americans and Brits say chemical the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkɛməkəl/ and the British form is /ˈkɛmɪkəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.