How to Pronounce “Arkansas”

American (US)

/ˈɑːrkənsɔː/

British (UK)

/ˈɑːkənsɔː/

Australian (AU)

/ˈɐːkənˌsoː/

proper noun — A state in the South Central region of the United States. Capital and largest city: Little Rock.

Where the stress falls. “Arkansas” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɑːrkənsɔː/ 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. /ˈɑːrkənsɔː/ 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 "Arkansas" mean?

Arkansas (proper noun): A state in the South Central region of the United States. Capital and largest city: Little Rock.

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

American English: /ˈɑːrkənsɔː/. British English: /ˈɑːkənsɔː/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "Arkansas"?

/ˈɑːrkənsɔː/ in American English, /ˈɑːkənsɔː/ in British English, /ˈɐːkənˌsoː/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "Arkansas"?

“Arkansas” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈɑːrkənsɔː/ 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.

• Silent S words
• US place names