How to pronounce tempera
Say it like TEM-puh-ruh. Tempera has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tempera. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TEM
- puh
- ruh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tempera pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- ruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of tempera
American and British speakers say tempera in essentially the same way: /ˈtɛmpərə/ in the US and /ˈtɛmpərə/ in the UK.
British respelling: TEM-puh-ruh.
What does tempera mean?
- A paint in which the pigments are suspended in a water-soluble emulsion, such as of egg yolk or gelatine, which hardens and becomes insoluble on exposure to air.
- The artistic technique of painting in this medium.
- A painting done in this medium.
Where does tempera come from?
Borrowed from Italian tempera.
Questions about saying tempera
How do you pronounce tempera?
Say TEM-puh-ruh. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɛmpərə/. In British English it is /ˈtɛmpərə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tempera?
Tempera has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TEM). Broken into parts: TEM · puh · ruh.
Do Americans and Brits say tempera the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈtɛmpərə/ and the British form is /ˈtɛmpərə/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.