How to Pronounce “asthma”

American (US)

/ˈæzmə/

British (UK)

/ˈæsmə/

noun — A long-term condition in which the airways narrow and swell, causing breathlessness.

Example: Cold air can trigger his asthma.

Where the stress falls. “asthma” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈæzmə/ 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. /ˈæzmə/ 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 "asthma" mean?

asthma (noun): A long-term condition in which the airways narrow and swell, causing breathlessness. For example — Cold air can trigger his asthma.

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

American English: /ˈæzmə/. British English: /ˈæsmə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "asthma"?

/ˈæzmə/ in American English, /ˈæsmə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "asthma"?

“asthma” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈæzmə/ 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.

• Medical terms