How to Pronounce “impertinent”

American (US)

/ɪmˈpɝ.tɪ.nənt/

British (UK)

/ɪmˈpɜː.tɪ.nənt/

adjective — Insolent, ill-mannered or disrespectful; Disregardful.

Where the stress falls. “impertinent” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɪmˈpɝ.tɪ.nənt/ 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. /ɪmˈpɝ.tɪ.nənt/ 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 "impertinent" mean?

impertinent (adjective): Insolent, ill-mannered or disrespectful; Disregardful.

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

American English: /ɪmˈpɝ.tɪ.nənt/. British English: /ɪmˈpɜː.tɪ.nənt/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "impertinent"?

/ɪmˈpɝ.tɪ.nənt/ in American English, /ɪmˈpɜː.tɪ.nənt/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "impertinent"?

“impertinent” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ɪmˈpɝ.tɪ.nənt/ 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.