How to Pronounce “communal”

American (US)

/kəˈmju.nəl/

British (UK)

/kəˈmjuː.nəl/

Australian (AU)

/kəˈmjʉː.nəl/

adjective — Pertaining to a community or a commune.

Where the stress falls. “communal” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /kəˈmju.nəl/ 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. /kəˈmju.nəl/ 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 "communal" mean?

communal (adjective): Pertaining to a community or a commune.

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

American English: /kəˈmju.nəl/. British English: /kəˈmjuː.nəl/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "communal"?

/kəˈmju.nəl/ in American English, /kəˈmjuː.nəl/ in British English, /kəˈmjʉː.nəl/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "communal"?

“communal” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /kəˈmju.nəl/ 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.