How to pronounce natal
Say it like NAY-tul. Natal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NAY).
- NAY
- tul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Natal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- tulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of natal
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: NAY-tul.
Other ways to say natal
Natal also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- nuh-TAHL /nəˈtɑl/
What does natal mean?
- Of or relating to birth.“Sea turtles return to their natal beaches to nest.”
- Of or relating to the buttocks.
Where does natal come from?
From Middle English natal, natale (“native, one’s own; inherited; presiding over birthdays or births”), from Classical Latin nātālis (“natal”), from nātus, perfect active participle of nāscor (“to be born”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *ǵenh₁-.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- kwazulu-natal
Words that rhyme with natal
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of natal.
Questions about saying natal
How do you pronounce natal?
Say NAY-tul. The American pronunciation is /ˈneɪtəl/. In British English it is /ˈneɪtəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in natal?
Natal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NAY). Broken into parts: NAY · tul.
Is natal 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 /ˈneɪtəl/ (NAY-tul).