How to Pronounce “banana”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /bəˈnænə/
- British (UK)
- /bəˈnɑːnə/
- Australian (AU)
- /bəˈnɐːnə/
What “banana” means
noun — The elongated curved tropical fruit of a banana plant, which grows in bunches and has a creamy flesh and a smooth skin.
Example: Jimmy had a banana for breakfast.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “banana” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /bəˈnænə/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /bəˈnænə/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "banana" mean?
banana (noun): The elongated curved tropical fruit of a banana plant, which grows in bunches and has a creamy flesh and a smooth skin. For example — Jimmy had a banana for breakfast.
How do you pronounce "banana" in American vs British English?
American English: /bəˈnænə/. British English: /bəˈnɑːnə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.
What is the IPA transcription of "banana"?
/bəˈnænə/ in American English, /bəˈnɑːnə/ in British English, /bəˈnɐːnə/ in Australian English.
Which syllable is stressed in "banana"?
“banana” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /bəˈnænə/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
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