How to Pronounce “marijuana”

American (US)

/ˌmɛɹɪˈwɑ.nə/

British (UK)

/ˌmæɹɪˈwɑː.nə/

noun — The inflorescence of the Cannabis sativa plant, smoked or ingested for euphoric effect.

Example: After smoking a bowl of that fine marijuana, they ate some brownies.

Where the stress falls. “marijuana” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌmɛɹɪˈwɑ.nə/ 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. /ˌmɛɹɪˈwɑ.nə/ 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 "marijuana" mean?

marijuana (noun): The inflorescence of the Cannabis sativa plant, smoked or ingested for euphoric effect. For example — After smoking a bowl of that fine marijuana, they ate some brownies.

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

American English: /ˌmɛɹɪˈwɑ.nə/. British English: /ˌmæɹɪˈwɑː.nə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "marijuana"?

/ˌmɛɹɪˈwɑ.nə/ in American English, /ˌmæɹɪˈwɑː.nə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "marijuana"?

“marijuana” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌmɛɹɪˈwɑ.nə/ 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.