How to pronounce Reykjavik
Say it like REK-yuh-vik. Reykjavik has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Reykjavik. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- REK
- yuh
- vik
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Reykjavik pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- REKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- yuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- vikKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of Reykjavik
American and British speakers say Reykjavik in essentially the same way: /ˈrɛkjəvɪk/ in the US and /ˈreɪkjəˌviːk/ in the UK.
British respelling: RAY-kyuh-veek.
Other ways to say Reykjavik
Reykjavik also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- RAY-kuh-vik /ˈreɪkəvɪk/
What does Reykjavik mean?
- The capital city of Iceland.
Where does Reykjavik come from?
From Icelandic Reykjavík (literally “Bay of Smoke”).
Questions about saying Reykjavik
How do you pronounce Reykjavik?
Say REK-yuh-vik. The American pronunciation is /ˈrɛkjəvɪk/. In British English it is /ˈreɪkjəˌviːk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Reykjavik?
Reykjavik has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (REK). Broken into parts: REK · yuh · vik.
Do Americans and Brits say Reykjavik the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrɛkjəvɪk/ and the British form is /ˈreɪkjəˌviːk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.