How to Pronounce “Mahershala Ali”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /məˈhɜːrʃələ əˈliː/
- British (UK)
- /məˈhɜːʃələ əˈliː/
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “Mahershala Ali” has 6 syllables, and the transcription /məˈhɜːrʃələ əˈliː/ 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. /məˈhɜːrʃələ əˈliː/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce "Mahershala Ali" in American vs British English?
American English: /məˈhɜːrʃələ əˈliː/. British English: /məˈhɜːʃələ əˈliː/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.
What is the IPA transcription of "Mahershala Ali"?
/məˈhɜːrʃələ əˈliː/ in American English, /məˈhɜːʃələ əˈliː/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "Mahershala Ali"?
“Mahershala Ali” has 6 syllables, and the transcription /məˈhɜːrʃələ əˈliː/ 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.
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