How to pronounce filial
Say it like FIL-ee-ul. Filial has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce filial. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FIL
- ee
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Filial pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of filial
American and British speakers say filial in essentially the same way: /ˈfɪliəl/ in the US and /ˈfɪliəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: FIL-ee-ul.
What does filial mean?
- Pertaining to or befitting a son or daughter.
- Respectful of the duties and attitudes of sons or daughters toward their parents.
- Of a generation or generations descending from a specific previous one.
Where does filial come from?
From Middle English filial, from Latin fīliālis, from fīlius (“son”) / fīlia (“daughter”) + -al.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying filial
How do you pronounce filial?
Say FIL-ee-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɪliəl/. In British English it is /ˈfɪliəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in filial?
Filial has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIL). Broken into parts: FIL · ee · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say filial the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈfɪliəl/ and the British form is /ˈfɪliəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.