How to Pronounce “Costa”

American (US)

/ˈkɑ.stə/

British (UK)

/ˈkɒ.stə/

proper noun — A British coffeehouse chain founded in 1971.

Where the stress falls. “Costa” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkɑ.stə/ 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. /ˈkɑ.stə/ 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 "Costa" mean?

Costa (proper noun): A British coffeehouse chain founded in 1971.

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

American English: /ˈkɑ.stə/. British English: /ˈkɒ.stə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "Costa"?

/ˈkɑ.stə/ in American English, /ˈkɒ.stə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "Costa"?

“Costa” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkɑ.stə/ 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.