How to pronounce pygmalion
Say it like pig-MAY-lyun. Pygmalion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pygmalion. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- pig
- MAY
- lyun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pygmalion pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pigGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- MAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- lyunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of pygmalion
American and British speakers say pygmalion in essentially the same way: /ˌpɪɡˈmeɪljən/ in the US and /ˌpɪɡˈmeɪljən/ in the UK.
British respelling: pig-MAY-lyun.
What does pygmalion mean?
- One who acts as the legendary Greek sculptor Pygmalion (who was granted the wish of having life given to a sculpture of his which he fell deeply in love with).
Questions about saying pygmalion
How do you pronounce pygmalion?
Say pig-MAY-lyun. The American pronunciation is /ˌpɪɡˈmeɪljən/. In British English it is /ˌpɪɡˈmeɪljən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pygmalion?
Pygmalion has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (MAY). Broken into parts: pig · MAY · lyun.
Do Americans and Brits say pygmalion the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌpɪɡˈmeɪljən/ and the British form is /ˌpɪɡˈmeɪljən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.