How to pronounce punctual
Say it like PUHNGK-choo-ul. Punctual has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUHNGK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce punctual. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUHNGK
- choo
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Punctual pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PUHNGKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- chooKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of punctual
- American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2.
British respelling: PUHNGK-tyoorl.
What does punctual mean?
- Of an event, happening at the appointed time.
- Of a person, acting at the appointed time.“Luis is never late; he's the most punctual person I know.”
- Existing as a point or series of points.
Where does punctual come from?
Borrowed from Medieval Latin pūnctuālis (“relating to a point”), from Late Latin pūnctus (“point”) + -ālis (adjective suffix).
Questions about saying punctual
How do you pronounce punctual?
Say PUHNGK-choo-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈpʌŋktʃuəl/. In British English it is /ˈpʌŋktjʊəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in punctual?
Punctual has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUHNGK). Broken into parts: PUHNGK · choo · ul.
Is punctual pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. American English uses 3 syllables and British English 2. The British form is /ˈpʌŋktjʊəl/ (PUHNGK-tyoorl).