How to pronounce quantum
Say it like KWAHN-tum. Quantum has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KWAHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce quantum. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KWAHN
- tum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Quantum pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KWAHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of quantum
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KWON-tum.
What does quantum mean?
- a discrete amount of something that is analogous to the quantities in quantum theory
- (physics) the smallest discrete quantity of some physical property that a system can possess (according to quantum theory)
Where does quantum come from?
From Late Latin quantum, noun use of neuter form of Latin quantus (“how much”).
Questions about saying quantum
How do you pronounce quantum?
Say KWAHN-tum. The American pronunciation is /ˈkwɑntəm/. In British English it is /ˈkwɒntəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in quantum?
Quantum has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KWAHN). Broken into parts: KWAHN · tum.
Is quantum pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈkwɒntəm/ (KWON-tum).