How to pronounce impromptu
Say it like im-PROMP-too. Impromptu has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PROMP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce impromptu. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- im
- PROMP
- too
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Impromptu pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- imGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- PROMPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tooKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
American vs British pronunciation of impromptu
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: im-PROMP-tyoo.
What does impromptu mean?
- A short musical composition for an informal occasion often with the character of improvisation and usually to be played solo.
- Any composition, musical or otherwise, that is created on the spot without preparation.
- Improvised; without prior preparation, planning, or rehearsal.“The party began with an impromptu rendition of “Happy Birthday”.”
- Extemporaneously; without prior preparation, planning, or rehearsal.
Where does impromptu come from?
Unadapted borrowing from French impromptu.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying impromptu
How do you pronounce impromptu?
Say im-PROMP-too. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪmˈprɑmptu/. In British English it is /ɪmˈprɒmptju/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in impromptu?
Impromptu has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PROMP). Broken into parts: im · PROMP · too.
Is impromptu pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ɪmˈprɒmptju/ (im-PROMP-tyoo).