How to pronounce pianissimo
Say it like pee-uh-NIS-ih-moh. Pianissimo has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NIS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pianissimo. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pee
- uh
- NIS
- ih
- moh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pianissimo pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- peeGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- NISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- mohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of pianissimo
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: pee-uh-NIS-ih-moh.
What does pianissimo mean?
- Indicating that the piece is to be played very softly.
- A dynamic sign indicating that a portion of music should be played pianissimo.
- A portion of music that is played very softly.
Where does pianissimo come from?
Borrowed from Italian pianissimo.
Questions about saying pianissimo
How do you pronounce pianissimo?
Say pee-uh-NIS-ih-moh. The American pronunciation is /ˌpiəˈnɪsɪmoʊ/. In British English it is /ˌpiəˈnɪsɪməʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pianissimo?
Pianissimo has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NIS). Broken into parts: pee · uh · NIS · ih · moh.
Is pianissimo pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˌpiəˈnɪsɪməʊ/ (pee-uh-NIS-ih-moh).