How to Pronounce “Dostoevsky”

American (US)

/ˌdɑːstəˈefski/

British (UK)

/ˌdɒstəˈefski/

proper noun — A transliteration of the Russian surname Достое́вский (Dostojévskij).

Where the stress falls. “Dostoevsky” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌdɑːstəˈefski/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌdɑːstəˈefski/ 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 "Dostoevsky" mean?

Dostoevsky (proper noun): A transliteration of the Russian surname Достое́вский (Dostojévskij).

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

American English: /ˌdɑːstəˈefski/. British English: /ˌdɒstəˈefski/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "Dostoevsky"?

/ˌdɑːstəˈefski/ in American English, /ˌdɒstəˈefski/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "Dostoevsky"?

“Dostoevsky” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌdɑːstəˈefski/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.