How to Pronounce “Azerbaijan”

American (US)

/ˌæzərbaɪˈdʒɑːn/

British (UK)

/ˌæzəbaɪˈdʒɑːn/

proper noun — A region in northwestern Iran, where ancient Atropatene was located, encompassing the modern provinces of Ardabil, East Azerbaijan and West Azerbaijan.

Where the stress falls. “Azerbaijan” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌæzərbaɪˈdʒɑːn/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the fourth one — so the fourth syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌæzərbaɪˈdʒɑːn/ 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 "Azerbaijan" mean?

Azerbaijan (proper noun): A region in northwestern Iran, where ancient Atropatene was located, encompassing the modern provinces of Ardabil, East Azerbaijan and West Azerbaijan.

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

American English: /ˌæzərbaɪˈdʒɑːn/. British English: /ˌæzəbaɪˈdʒɑːn/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "Azerbaijan"?

/ˌæzərbaɪˈdʒɑːn/ in American English, /ˌæzəbaɪˈdʒɑːn/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "Azerbaijan"?

“Azerbaijan” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌæzərbaɪˈdʒɑːn/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the fourth one — so the fourth syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

How to Pronounce Country Names — Kyrgyzstan & the -stans

The -stan countries stress the final syllable except Kyrgyzstan; Djibouti begins like “jam”; Liechtenstein hides a k. Audio for each.