How to pronounce virga
Say it like VUR-guh. Virga has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce virga. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈvɝɡə/VUR-guh
UK British/ˈvɜːɡə/VUR-guh
- VUR
- guh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Virga pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- VURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- guhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of virga
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: VUR-guh.
What does virga mean?
noun
- A type of note used in plainsong notation, having a tail and representing a single tone.
- A streak of rain or snow that is dissipated in falling and does not reach the ground, commonly appearing descending from a cloud layer.
- A unit of length: a rod, pole or perch (5½ yards); or a unit of area: a square rod, pole or perch.
Where does virga come from?
Borrowed from Latin virga (“rod”).
Questions about saying virga
How do you pronounce virga?
Say VUR-guh. The American pronunciation is /ˈvɝɡə/. In British English it is /ˈvɜːɡə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in virga?
Virga has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (VUR). Broken into parts: VUR · guh.
Is virga pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈvɜːɡə/ (VUR-guh).