How to pronounce sapphire
Say it like SAF-eye-er. Sapphire has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAF).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sapphire. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈsæfaɪɚ/SAF-eye-er
UK British/ˈsæfaɪə/SAF-eye-uh
- SAF
- eye
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sapphire pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SAFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- eyeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of sapphire
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SAF-eye-uh.
What does sapphire mean?
adjective
- of a deep blue color.
- pertaining to a 45th year
- A clear deep blue variety of corundum, valued as a precious stone.
- A white, yellow, or purple variety of corundum, either clear or translucent.
- A deep blue color.
Questions about saying sapphire
How do you pronounce sapphire?
Say SAF-eye-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈsæfaɪɚ/. In British English it is /ˈsæfaɪə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sapphire?
Sapphire has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAF). Broken into parts: SAF · eye · er.
Is sapphire pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈsæfaɪə/ (SAF-eye-uh).