How to pronounce Kyrgyzstan
Say it like KEER-ghih-stan. Kyrgyzstan has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KEER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Kyrgyzstan. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KEER
- ghih
- stan
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kyrgyzstan pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KEERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ghihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- stanGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of Kyrgyzstan
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: kur-ghih-STAHN.
Other ways to say Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- keer-GHEE-stahn /ˌkɪrˈɡiˌstɑn/
What does Kyrgyzstan mean?
- A country in Central Asia, bordering on Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China. Official name: Kyrgyz Republic. Capital: Bishkek.
Questions about saying Kyrgyzstan
How do you pronounce Kyrgyzstan?
Say KEER-ghih-stan. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɪrɡɪˌstæn/. In British English it is /ˌkɜːɡɪˈstɑːn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyzstan has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KEER). Broken into parts: KEER · ghih · stan.
Is Kyrgyzstan pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3. The British form is /ˌkɜːɡɪˈstɑːn/ (kur-ghih-STAHN).