How to pronounce Latin
Say it like LAT-un. Latin has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Latin. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LAT
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Latin pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LATSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Latin
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: LAT-in.
What does Latin mean?
- any dialect of the language of ancient Rome
- an inhabitant of ancient Latium
- a person who is a member of those peoples whose languages derived from Latin
- of or relating to the ancient Latins or the Latin language“Latin verb conjugations”
- relating to people or countries speaking Romance languages“Latin America”
- relating to languages derived from Latin“Romance languages”
Words that rhyme with Latin
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of Latin.
Questions about saying Latin
How do you pronounce Latin?
Say LAT-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈlætən/. In British English it is /ˈlætɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Latin?
Latin has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAT). Broken into parts: LAT · un.
Is Latin 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 /ˈlætɪn/ (LAT-in).