How to Pronounce “papier-mâché”

American (US)

/ˌpeɪpər məˈʃeɪ/

British (UK)

/ˌpæpieɪ ˈmæʃeɪ/

noun — A composite material created by pulping paper or layering paper strips with an adhesive such as glue, starch or paste, which dries to form a durable, lightweight and moldable substance.

Where the stress falls. “papier-mâché” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌpeɪpər məˈʃeɪ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the fourth one — so the fourth syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌpeɪpər məˈʃeɪ/ 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 "papier-mâché" mean?

papier-mâché (noun): A composite material created by pulping paper or layering paper strips with an adhesive such as glue, starch or paste, which dries to form a durable, lightweight and moldable substance.

How do you pronounce "papier-mâché" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˌpeɪpər məˈʃeɪ/. British English: /ˌpæpieɪ ˈmæʃeɪ/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "papier-mâché"?

/ˌpeɪpər məˈʃeɪ/ in American English, /ˌpæpieɪ ˈmæʃeɪ/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "papier-mâché"?

“papier-mâché” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˌpeɪpər məˈʃeɪ/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the fourth one — so the fourth syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.