How to pronounce Harlem
Say it like HAR-lum. Harlem has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAR).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Harlem. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈhɑrləm/HAR-lum
UK British/ˈhɑːləm/HAH-lum
- HAR
- lum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Harlem pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- lumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Harlem
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: HAH-lum.
What does Harlem mean?
noun
- a district of Manhattan; now largely a Black ghetto
Questions about saying Harlem
How do you pronounce Harlem?
Say HAR-lum. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɑrləm/. In British English it is /ˈhɑːləm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Harlem?
Harlem has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAR). Broken into parts: HAR · lum.
Is Harlem 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 /ˈhɑːləm/ (HAH-lum).