How to pronounce sherpa
Say it like SHUR-puh. Sherpa has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce sherpa. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SHUR
- puh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Sherpa pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SHURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of sherpa
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SHUR-puh.
What does sherpa mean?
- A local mountain guide or porter, particularly a male of the Nepalese Sherpa people so employed.
- An expert accompanying a high-ranking leader to a summit meeting.
- A synthetic fabric with a long, thick pile, similar to faux fur, imitation lamb wool, or fleece.
- To serve as a guide or porter for another.
Where does sherpa come from?
From Sherpa. The verb derives from the noun.
Questions about saying sherpa
How do you pronounce sherpa?
Say SHUR-puh. The American pronunciation is /ˈʃɝpə/. In British English it is /ˈʃɜːpə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in sherpa?
Sherpa has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SHUR). Broken into parts: SHUR · puh.
Is sherpa 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 /ˈʃɜːpə/ (SHUR-puh).