How to pronounce Zion
Say it like ZY-un. Zion has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Zion. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ZY
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Zion pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ZYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in time.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Zion
American and British speakers say Zion in essentially the same way: /ˈzaɪən/ in the US and /ˈzaɪən/ in the UK.
British respelling: ZY-un.
What does Zion mean?
- originally a stronghold captured by David (the 2nd king of the Israelites); above it was built a temple and later the name extended to the whole hill; finally it became a synonym for the city of Jerusalem“the inhabitants of Jerusalem are personified as `the daughter of Zion'”
- Jewish republic in southwestern Asia at eastern end of Mediterranean; formerly part of Palestine
- an imaginary place considered to be perfect or ideal
Words that rhyme with Zion
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of Zion.
Questions about saying Zion
How do you pronounce Zion?
Say ZY-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈzaɪən/. In British English it is /ˈzaɪən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Zion?
Zion has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (ZY). Broken into parts: ZY · un.
Do Americans and Brits say Zion the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈzaɪən/ and the British form is /ˈzaɪən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.