How to pronounce Virginia
Say it like ver-JIN-yuh. Virginia has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (JIN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Virginia. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ver
- JIN
- yuh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Virginia pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- JINSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- yuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Virginia
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: vuh-JIN-yuh.
What does Virginia mean?
- A state of the United States. Official name: Commonwealth of Virginia. Capital: Richmond.
Where does Virginia come from?
From Latin Virginia, feminine form of Virginius or Verginius, a Roman family name, possibly identical with Vergilius.
Questions about saying Virginia
How do you pronounce Virginia?
Say ver-JIN-yuh. The American pronunciation is /vɚˈdʒɪnjə/. In British English it is /vəˈdʒɪnjə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Virginia?
Virginia has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (JIN). Broken into parts: ver · JIN · yuh.
Is Virginia 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 /vəˈdʒɪnjə/ (vuh-JIN-yuh).