How to Pronounce “phenomena”

American (US)

/fəˈnɑːmɪnə/

British (UK)

/fɪˈnɒmɪnə/

noun — A phenomenon.

Where the stress falls. “phenomena” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /fəˈnɑːmɪnə/ 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. /fəˈnɑːmɪnə/ 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 "phenomena" mean?

phenomena (noun): A phenomenon.

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

American English: /fəˈnɑːmɪnə/. British English: /fɪˈnɒmɪnə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "phenomena"?

/fəˈnɑːmɪnə/ in American English, /fɪˈnɒmɪnə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "phenomena"?

“phenomena” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /fəˈnɑːmɪnə/ 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.