How to Pronounce “amateur”

American (US)

/ˈæ.mə.t͡ʃɚ/

British (UK)

/ˈæ.mə.tə/

noun — A lover of something.

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

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈæ.mə.t͡ʃɚ/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "amateur" mean?

amateur (noun): A lover of something.

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

American English: /ˈæ.mə.t͡ʃɚ/. British English: /ˈæ.mə.tə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "amateur"?

/ˈæ.mə.t͡ʃɚ/ in American English, /ˈæ.mə.tə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "amateur"?

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