How to pronounce valentine
Say it like VAL-un-tyne. Valentine has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VAL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce valentine. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- VAL
- un
- tyne
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Valentine pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- tyneGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of valentine
American and British speakers say valentine in essentially the same way: /ˈvælənˌtaɪn/ in the US and /ˈvælənˌtaɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: VAL-un-tyne.
What does valentine mean?
- a sweetheart chosen to receive a greeting on Saint Valentine's Day“will you be my valentine?”
- a card sent or given (as to a sweetheart) on Saint Valentine's Day
Where does valentine come from?
From Saint Valentine's Day (“day of celebration of romantic love”).
Questions about saying valentine
How do you pronounce valentine?
Say VAL-un-tyne. The American pronunciation is /ˈvælənˌtaɪn/. In British English it is /ˈvælənˌtaɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in valentine?
Valentine has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VAL). Broken into parts: VAL · un · tyne.
Do Americans and Brits say valentine the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈvælənˌtaɪn/ and the British form is /ˈvælənˌtaɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.