How to pronounce operetta
Say it like op-uh-RET-uh. Operetta has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce operetta. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- op
- uh
- RET
- uh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Operetta pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- opGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of operetta
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: op-uh-RET-uh.
What does operetta mean?
- A lighter version of opera with a frivolous story and spoken dialogue.
Where does operetta come from?
Borrowed from Italian operetta.
Words that rhyme with operetta
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of operetta.
Questions about saying operetta
How do you pronounce operetta?
Say op-uh-RET-uh. The American pronunciation is /ˌɑpəˈrɛtə/. In British English it is /ˌɒpəˈrɛtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in operetta?
Operetta has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (RET). Broken into parts: op · uh · RET · uh.
Is operetta pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˌɒpəˈrɛtə/ (op-uh-RET-uh).