How to pronounce crystal
Say it like KRIS-tul. Crystal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KRIS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce crystal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KRIS
- tul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Crystal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KRISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- tulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of crystal
American and British speakers say crystal in essentially the same way: /ˈkrɪstəl/ in the US and /ˈkrɪstəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: KRIS-tul.
What does crystal mean?
- a solid formed by the solidification of a chemical and having a highly regular atomic structure
- a crystalline element used as a component in various electronic devices
- a rock formed by the solidification of a substance; has regularly repeating internal structure; external plane faces
Where does crystal come from?
From Middle English crystal, cristal, criȝstall, representing a merger of Old English cristalla (from Latin crystallus) and Anglo-Norman cristall, Old French cristal (from Latin crystallum).
Words that rhyme with crystal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of crystal.
Words that sound like crystal
Questions about saying crystal
How do you pronounce crystal?
Say KRIS-tul. The American pronunciation is /ˈkrɪstəl/. In British English it is /ˈkrɪstəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in crystal?
Crystal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KRIS). Broken into parts: KRIS · tul.
Do Americans and Brits say crystal the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkrɪstəl/ and the British form is /ˈkrɪstəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.
What words sound the same as crystal?
Crystal sounds the same as cristal in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.