How to pronounce Kyoto
Say it like KYOH-toh. Kyoto has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KYOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Kyoto. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KYOH
- toh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kyoto pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KYOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- tohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of Kyoto
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KYOH-toh.
What does Kyoto mean?
- A prefecture on the island of Honshu, Japan.
- The capital city of Kyoto Prefecture, Japan; and the country's former capital.
Words that rhyme with Kyoto
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of Kyoto.
Questions about saying Kyoto
How do you pronounce Kyoto?
Say KYOH-toh. The American pronunciation is /ˈkjoʊtoʊ/. In British English it is /ˈkjəʊtəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Kyoto?
Kyoto has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KYOH). Broken into parts: KYOH · toh.
Is Kyoto pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈkjəʊtəʊ/ (KYOH-toh).