How to pronounce totem
Say it like TOH-tum. Totem has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TOH).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce totem. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈtoʊtəm/TOH-tum
UK British/ˈtəʊtəm/TOH-tum
- TOH
- tum
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Totem pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- tumKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of totem
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: TOH-tum.
What does totem mean?
noun
- Any natural object or living creature that serves as an emblem of a tribe, clan or family; the representation of such an object or creature.
- The clan whose kinship is defined in reference to such an object or creature.
- A symbol or personification.
Where does totem come from?
Borrowed from Ojibwe (o)doodem(an).
Questions about saying totem
How do you pronounce totem?
Say TOH-tum. The American pronunciation is /ˈtoʊtəm/. In British English it is /ˈtəʊtəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in totem?
Totem has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TOH). Broken into parts: TOH · tum.
Is totem pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈtəʊtəm/ (TOH-tum).