How to pronounce nuclei
Say it like NOO-klee-eye. Nuclei has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOO).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce nuclei. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈnukliˌaɪ/NOO-klee-eye
UK British/ˈnjuːkliaɪ/NYOO-klee-eye
- NOO
- klee
- eye
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Nuclei pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- NOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- kleeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- eyeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of nuclei
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: NYOO-klee-eye.
What does nuclei mean?
noun
- plural of nucleus How to pronounce nucleus
Questions about saying nuclei
How do you pronounce nuclei?
Say NOO-klee-eye. The American pronunciation is /ˈnukliˌaɪ/. In British English it is /ˈnjuːkliaɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in nuclei?
Nuclei has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (NOO). Broken into parts: NOO · klee · eye.
Is nuclei pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /ˈnjuːkliaɪ/ (NYOO-klee-eye).