How to Pronounce “mantra”

American (US)

/ˈmɑn.tɹə/

British (UK)

/ˈmæn.tɹə/

noun — A word or phrase repeated in meditation, or a statement repeated as a guiding principle.

Example: 'Ship it small' became the team mantra.

Where the stress falls. “mantra” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈmɑn.tɹə/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈmɑn.tɹə/ 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 "mantra" mean?

mantra (noun): A word or phrase repeated in meditation, or a statement repeated as a guiding principle. For example — 'Ship it small' became the team mantra.

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

American English: /ˈmɑn.tɹə/. British English: /ˈmæn.tɹə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "mantra"?

/ˈmɑn.tɹə/ in American English, /ˈmæn.tɹə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "mantra"?

“mantra” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈmɑn.tɹə/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.