How to pronounce kantele
Say it like KAHN-tuh-lay. Kantele has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce kantele. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAHN
- tuh
- lay
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kantele pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- layKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of kantele
American and British speakers say kantele in essentially the same way: /ˈkɑntəleɪ/ in the US and /ˈkæntələ/ in the UK.
British respelling: KAN-tuh-luh.
What does kantele mean?
- A plucked string instrument (a zither) of the Baltic psaltery family, traditionally with five strings but now more widely varying, originating in the folk music of Finland, where it is seen as a national symbol.
Where does kantele come from?
From Finnish kantele.
Questions about saying kantele
How do you pronounce kantele?
Say KAHN-tuh-lay. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑntəleɪ/. In British English it is /ˈkæntələ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in kantele?
Kantele has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN). Broken into parts: KAHN · tuh · lay.
Do Americans and Brits say kantele the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkɑntəleɪ/ and the British form is /ˈkæntələ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.