How to Pronounce “Debussy”

American (US)

/dəˈbju.si/

British (UK)

/dəˈbjuː.siː/

proper noun — A surname from French, notably borne by.

Where the stress falls. “Debussy” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /dəˈbju.si/ 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. /dəˈbju.si/ 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 "Debussy" mean?

Debussy (proper noun): A surname from French, notably borne by.

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

American English: /dəˈbju.si/. British English: /dəˈbjuː.siː/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "Debussy"?

/dəˈbju.si/ in American English, /dəˈbjuː.siː/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "Debussy"?

“Debussy” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /dəˈbju.si/ 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.