How to pronounce tapas
Say it like TUHP-us. Tapas has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TUHP).
- TUHP
- us
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tapas pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TUHPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- usKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of tapas
American and British speakers say tapas in essentially the same way: /ˈtʌpəs/ in the US and /ˈtæpæs/ in the UK.
British respelling: TAP-as.
What does tapas mean?
- A variety of Spanish small savoury food items or snacks such as croquettes, cured meat, potato salad, and seafood, originally served with sherry and now often with other alcoholic beverages as well.
- (The practice of) asceticism and self-discipline.
- plural of tapa How to pronounce tapa
Where does tapas come from?
From Spanish tapas, the plural of tapa (“appetizer, tapa; cap, lid (cover of a container)”) (from the fact that plates of tapas were originally placed on the tops of glasses of alcoholic beverages as lids), from Gothic *𐍄𐌰𐍀𐍀𐌰 (*tappa), from
Questions about saying tapas
How do you pronounce tapas?
Say TUHP-us. The American pronunciation is /ˈtʌpəs/. In British English it is /ˈtæpæs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tapas?
Tapas has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TUHP). Broken into parts: TUHP · us.
Do Americans and Brits say tapas the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈtʌpəs/ and the British form is /ˈtæpæs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.