How to pronounce harpsichord
Say it like HARP-sih-kord. Harpsichord has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HARP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce harpsichord. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HARP
- sih
- kord
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Harpsichord pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HARPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- sihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kordGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
American vs British pronunciation of harpsichord
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: HAHP-sih-kawd.
What does harpsichord mean?
- A stringed musical instrument with a keyboard, the mechanical precusor to the fortepiano, in which each key causes a plectrum to pluck a corresponding tuned string, producing a bright, sharp tone similar to that of a harp.
Where does harpsichord come from?
Early 1600s, borrowed from French harpechord (“harp string”), from New Latin harpichordium, from harpa (“harp”) + chorda (“string”).
Questions about saying harpsichord
How do you pronounce harpsichord?
Say HARP-sih-kord. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɑrpsɪˌkɔrd/. In British English it is /ˈhɑːpsɪkɔːd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in harpsichord?
Harpsichord has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HARP). Broken into parts: HARP · sih · kord.
Is harpsichord 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 /ˈhɑːpsɪkɔːd/ (HAHP-sih-kawd).