How to Pronounce “physiotherapy”

American (US)

/ˌfɪzioʊˈθerəpi/

British (UK)

/ˌfɪziəʊˈθerəpi/

noun — Therapy that uses physical techniques such as massage, ultrasound, heat, and exercise.

Where the stress falls. “physiotherapy” has 6 syllables, and the transcription /ˌfɪzioʊˈθerəpi/ 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. /ˌfɪzioʊˈθerəpi/ 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 "physiotherapy" mean?

physiotherapy (noun): Therapy that uses physical techniques such as massage, ultrasound, heat, and exercise.

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

American English: /ˌfɪzioʊˈθerəpi/. British English: /ˌfɪziəʊˈθerəpi/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "physiotherapy"?

/ˌfɪzioʊˈθerəpi/ in American English, /ˌfɪziəʊˈθerəpi/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "physiotherapy"?

“physiotherapy” has 6 syllables, and the transcription /ˌfɪzioʊˈθerəpi/ 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.