How to Pronounce “acai”

American (US)

/ˌɑːsɑːˈiː/

British (UK)

/ˌæsəˈiː/

Australian (AU)

/ˌæsəˈiː/

noun — Any of several South American palms, of the genus Euterpe, having a dark purple drupe.

A loanword from Tupi, via Portuguese. In “açaí” the cedilla makes the ç an /s/ and the accent on the í marks the stressed syllable, so all three vowels are separate: “ah-sah-EE”.

Where the stress falls. “acai” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˌɑːsɑːˈiː/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

What does "acai" mean?

acai (noun): Any of several South American palms, of the genus Euterpe, having a dark purple drupe.

How do you pronounce "acai" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˌɑːsɑːˈiː/. British English: /ˌæsəˈiː/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "acai"?

/ˌɑːsɑːˈiː/ in American English, /ˌæsəˈiː/ in British English, /ˌæsəˈiː/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "acai"?

“acai” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˌɑːsɑːˈiː/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

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