How to pronounce semiquaver
Say it like SEM-ee-kway-ver. Semiquaver has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce semiquaver. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SEM
- ee
- kway
- ver
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Semiquaver pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- kwayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of semiquaver
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SEM-ee-kway-vuh.
What does semiquaver mean?
- A sixteenth note, drawn as a crotchet with two tails.
Where does semiquaver come from?
From semi- + quaver.
Questions about saying semiquaver
How do you pronounce semiquaver?
Say SEM-ee-kway-ver. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛmiˌkweɪvər/. In British English it is /ˈsɛmiˌkweɪvə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in semiquaver?
Semiquaver has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEM). Broken into parts: SEM · ee · kway · ver.
Is semiquaver 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 /ˈsɛmiˌkweɪvə/ (SEM-ee-kway-vuh).