How to pronounce tequila
Say it like tuh-KEE-luh. Tequila has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tequila. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- tuh
- KEE
- luh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tequila pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- KEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- luhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of tequila
American and British speakers say tequila in essentially the same way: /təˈkilə/ in the US and /ˌtəˈkiːlə/ in the UK.
British respelling: tuh-KEE-luh.
What does tequila mean?
- An alcoholic liquor distilled from the fermented juice of the Central American century plant Agave tequilana.
Where does tequila come from?
Borrowed from Mexican Spanish tequila, from Tequila, a town in Jalisco.
Words that rhyme with tequila
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of tequila.
Questions about saying tequila
How do you pronounce tequila?
Say tuh-KEE-luh. The American pronunciation is /təˈkilə/. In British English it is /ˌtəˈkiːlə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tequila?
Tequila has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KEE). Broken into parts: tuh · KEE · luh.
Do Americans and Brits say tequila the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /təˈkilə/ and the British form is /ˌtəˈkiːlə/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.