How to pronounce rumba
Say it like RUUM-buh. Rumba has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUUM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce rumba. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- RUUM
- buh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Rumba pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- RUUMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in book.
- buhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of rumba
American and British speakers say rumba in essentially the same way: /ˈrʊmbə/ in the US and /ˈrʊmbə/ in the UK.
British respelling: RUUM-buh.
What does rumba mean?
- A slow-paced Cuban partner dance in 4:4 time.
- To dance the rumba.
Where does rumba come from?
Borrowed from Spanish rumba.
Questions about saying rumba
How do you pronounce rumba?
Say RUUM-buh. The American pronunciation is /ˈrʊmbə/. In British English it is /ˈrʊmbə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in rumba?
Rumba has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (RUUM). Broken into parts: RUUM · buh.
Do Americans and Brits say rumba the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈrʊmbə/ and the British form is /ˈrʊmbə/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.