How to pronounce Philippines
Say it like FIL-uh-peenz. Philippines has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Philippines. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- FIL
- uh
- peenz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Philippines pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- peenzGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of Philippines
American and British speakers say Philippines in essentially the same way: /ˈfɪləˌpinz/ in the US and /ˈfɪlɪˌpiːnz/ in the UK.
British respelling: FIL-ih-peenz.
What does Philippines mean?
- A country in Southeast Asia. Official name: Republic of the Philippines. Capital: Manila.
Where does Philippines come from?
Borrowed from French Philippines, originally from Spanish Filipinas, which was from Felipe (the name of a king of Spain).
Questions about saying Philippines
How do you pronounce Philippines?
Say FIL-uh-peenz. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɪləˌpinz/. In British English it is /ˈfɪlɪˌpiːnz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Philippines?
Philippines has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FIL). Broken into parts: FIL · uh · peenz.
Do Americans and Brits say Philippines the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈfɪləˌpinz/ and the British form is /ˈfɪlɪˌpiːnz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.