How to pronounce syllables
Say it like SIL-uh-bulz. Syllables has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce syllables. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SIL
- uh
- bulz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Syllables pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SILSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of syllables
American and British speakers say syllables in essentially the same way: /ˈsɪləbəlz/ in the US and /ˈsɪləbəlz/ in the UK.
British respelling: SIL-uh-bulz.
What does syllables mean?
- plural of syllable How to pronounce syllable
- third-person singular simple present indicative of syllable How to pronounce syllable
Questions about saying syllables
How do you pronounce syllables?
Say SIL-uh-bulz. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɪləbəlz/. In British English it is /ˈsɪləbəlz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in syllables?
Syllables has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SIL). Broken into parts: SIL · uh · bulz.
Do Americans and Brits say syllables the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsɪləbəlz/ and the British form is /ˈsɪləbəlz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.