How to pronounce circa
Say it like SUR-kuh. Circa has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈsɝkə/SUR-kuh
UK British/ˈsɜːkə/SUR-kuh
- SUR
- kuh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Circa pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of circa
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SUR-kuh.
What does circa mean?
preposition
- Synonym of around, about, approximately, particularly used with historical dating.“Julius Caesar visited this area circa 50 BC.”
Where does circa come from?
Learned borrowing from Latin circā.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with circa
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of circa.
Questions about saying circa
How do you pronounce circa?
Say SUR-kuh. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɝkə/. In British English it is /ˈsɜːkə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in circa?
Circa has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUR). Broken into parts: SUR · kuh.
Is circa 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 /ˈsɜːkə/ (SUR-kuh).