How to pronounce Polynesia
Say it like pah-luh-NEE-zhuh. Polynesia has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NEE).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˌpɑləˈniʒə/pah-luh-NEE-zhuh
UK British/pɒləˈniːziə/pol-uh-NEE-zee-uh
- pah
- luh
- NEE
- zhuh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Polynesia pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pahGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- luhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- NEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- zhuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Polynesia
- American English uses 4 syllables and British English 5.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: pol-uh-NEE-zee-uh.
What does Polynesia mean?
proper noun
- A continental region of Oceania, including Easter Island, Hawaii, New Zealand, and most of the islands between them.
Words that rhyme with Polynesia
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of Polynesia.
Questions about saying Polynesia
How do you pronounce Polynesia?
Say pah-luh-NEE-zhuh. The American pronunciation is /ˌpɑləˈniʒə/. In British English it is /pɒləˈniːziə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Polynesia?
Polynesia has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NEE). Broken into parts: pah · luh · NEE · zhuh.
Is Polynesia pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 4 syllables and British English 5. The British form is /pɒləˈniːziə/ (pol-uh-NEE-zee-uh).