How to pronounce Italy
Say it like IT-uh-lee. Italy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Italy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- IT
- uh
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Italy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ITSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of Italy
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: IT-uh-lee.
What does Italy mean?
- A country in Southern Europe. Official names: Italian Republic and Republic of Italy. Capital and largest city: Rome.
Where does Italy come from?
Inherited from Old English Italia.
Words that rhyme with Italy
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of Italy.
Questions about saying Italy
How do you pronounce Italy?
Say IT-uh-lee. The American pronunciation is /ˈɪtəli/. In British English it is /ˈɪtəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Italy?
Italy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (IT). Broken into parts: IT · uh · lee.
Is Italy pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t. The British form is /ˈɪtəli/ (IT-uh-lee).