How to pronounce fortissimo
Say it like for-TIS-ih-moh. Fortissimo has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TIS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce fortissimo. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- for
- TIS
- ih
- moh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Fortissimo pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- forKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- TISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- mohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of fortissimo
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: faw-TIS-ih-moh.
What does fortissimo mean?
- Indicating that the piece is to be played very loudly.
- The dynamic sign indicating that the piece should be played fortissimo.
Where does fortissimo come from?
Borrowed from Italian fortissimo.
Questions about saying fortissimo
How do you pronounce fortissimo?
Say for-TIS-ih-moh. The American pronunciation is /fɔrˈtɪsɪmoʊ/. In British English it is /fɔːˈtɪsɪməʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in fortissimo?
Fortissimo has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TIS). Broken into parts: for · TIS · ih · moh.
Is fortissimo 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 /fɔːˈtɪsɪməʊ/ (faw-TIS-ih-moh).