How to pronounce Zanzibar
Say it like ZAN-zuh-bar. Zanzibar has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZAN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Zanzibar. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ZAN
- zuh
- bar
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Zanzibar pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ZANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- zuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- barGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of Zanzibar
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: ZAN-zuh-bah.
What does Zanzibar mean?
- An island region of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean.
Questions about saying Zanzibar
How do you pronounce Zanzibar?
Say ZAN-zuh-bar. The American pronunciation is /ˈzænzəˌbɑr/. In British English it is /ˈzænzəˌbɑː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Zanzibar?
Zanzibar has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZAN). Broken into parts: ZAN · zuh · bar.
Is Zanzibar 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 /ˈzænzəˌbɑː/ (ZAN-zuh-bah).