How to Pronounce “habanero”

American (US)

/ˌɑːbəˈneroʊ/

British (UK)

/ˌæbəˈneərəʊ/

noun — An intensely spicy chili pepper, Capsicum chinense.

Where the stress falls. “habanero” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌɑːbəˈneroʊ/ 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. /ˌɑːbəˈneroʊ/ 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 "habanero" mean?

habanero (noun): An intensely spicy chili pepper, Capsicum chinense.

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

American English: /ˌɑːbəˈneroʊ/. British English: /ˌæbəˈneərəʊ/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "habanero"?

/ˌɑːbəˈneroʊ/ in American English, /ˌæbəˈneərəʊ/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "habanero"?

“habanero” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌɑːbəˈneroʊ/ 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.

• Spanish loanwords