How to pronounce radio
Say it like RAY-dee-oh. Radio has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce radio. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RAY
- dee
- oh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Radio pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- deeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- ohGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of radio
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: RAY-dih-oh.
What does radio mean?
- medium for communication
- an electronic receiver that detects and demodulates and amplifies transmitted signals
- a communication system based on broadcasting electromagnetic waves
- transmit messages via radio waves“he radioed for help”
- indicating radiation or radioactivity“radiochemistry”
Where does radio come from?
Short for radiotelegraphy.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying radio
How do you pronounce radio?
Say RAY-dee-oh. The American pronunciation is /ˈreɪdiˌoʊ/. In British English it is /ˈreɪdɪˌəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in radio?
Radio has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RAY). Broken into parts: RAY · dee · oh.
Is radio 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 /ˈreɪdɪˌəʊ/ (RAY-dih-oh).