How to Pronounce “Balenciaga”

American (US)

/bəˌlensiˈɑːɡə/

British (UK)

/bəˌlensɪˈɑːɡə/

proper noun — A Spanish luxury fashion house founded by Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1919.

Where the stress falls. “Balenciaga” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /bəˌlensiˈɑːɡə/ 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. /bəˌlensiˈɑːɡə/ 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 "Balenciaga" mean?

Balenciaga (proper noun): A Spanish luxury fashion house founded by Cristóbal Balenciaga in 1919.

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

American English: /bəˌlensiˈɑːɡə/. British English: /bəˌlensɪˈɑːɡə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "Balenciaga"?

/bəˌlensiˈɑːɡə/ in American English, /bəˌlensɪˈɑːɡə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "Balenciaga"?

“Balenciaga” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /bəˌlensiˈɑːɡə/ 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.

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