How to pronounce zany
Say it like ZAY-nee. Zany has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce zany. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ZAY
- nee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Zany pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ZAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- neeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of zany
American and British speakers say zany in essentially the same way: /ˈzeɪni/ in the US and /ˈzeɪni/ in the UK.
British respelling: ZAY-nee.
What does zany mean?
- Unusual and awkward in a funny, comical manner; outlandish; clownish.
- Ludicrously or incongruously comical.
Where does zany come from?
From Middle French zani, zanni, from Italian zanni (“a kind of masked clown character”), from Zanni, a Venetian form of Giovanni.
Words that rhyme with zany
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of zany.
Questions about saying zany
How do you pronounce zany?
Say ZAY-nee. The American pronunciation is /ˈzeɪni/. In British English it is /ˈzeɪni/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in zany?
Zany has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZAY). Broken into parts: ZAY · nee.
Do Americans and Brits say zany the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈzeɪni/ and the British form is /ˈzeɪni/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.