How to pronounce forbidden
Say it like FOR-bih-dun. Forbidden has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce forbidden. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FOR
- bih
- dun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Forbidden pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- bihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- dunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of forbidden
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 2.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: fuh-BID-un.
Other ways to say forbidden
Forbidden also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- ferr-BID-un /fɚrˈbɪdən/
What does forbidden mean?
- excluded from use or mention“forbidden fruit”“in our house dancing and playing cards were out”
Where does forbidden come from?
Past participle of the verb forbid.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying forbidden
How do you pronounce forbidden?
Say FOR-bih-dun. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɔrbɪdən/. In British English it is /fəˈbɪdən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in forbidden?
Forbidden has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FOR). Broken into parts: FOR · bih · dun.
Is forbidden pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 2. The British form is /fəˈbɪdən/ (fuh-BID-un).