How to pronounce tuna
Say it like TOO-nuh. Tuna has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TOO).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tuna. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TOO
- nuh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tuna pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TOOSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "oo" in food.
- nuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of tuna
- British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune).
British respelling: TYOO-nuh.
What does tuna mean?
- tropical American prickly pear of Jamaica
- important warm-water fatty fish of the genus Thunnus of the family Scombridae; usually served as steaks
- any very large marine food and game fish of the genus Thunnus; related to mackerel; chiefly of warm waters
Words that rhyme with tuna
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of tuna.
Questions about saying tuna
How do you pronounce tuna?
Say TOO-nuh. The American pronunciation is /ˈtunə/. In British English it is /ˈtjuːnə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tuna?
Tuna has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TOO). Broken into parts: TOO · nuh.
Is tuna pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers add a light "y" sound before the "oo" (as in "tyoon" for tune). The British form is /ˈtjuːnə/ (TYOO-nuh).