How to Pronounce “quinoa”

American (US)

/ˈkiːnwɑː/

British (UK)

/ˈkɪnwɑː/

noun — A South American grain crop grown for its edible, protein-rich seeds.

Example: She served the grilled vegetables on a bed of quinoa.

A loanword from Quechua, via Spanish. The word is Quechua “kinwa”, written “quinua” in Spanish. The usual English pronunciation “KEEN-wah” follows the sound of the original rather than the letters of the borrowed spelling.

Where the stress falls. “quinoa” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkiːnwɑː/ 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.

What does "quinoa" mean?

quinoa (noun): A South American grain crop grown for its edible, protein-rich seeds. For example — She served the grilled vegetables on a bed of quinoa.

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

American English: /ˈkiːnwɑː/. British English: /ˈkɪnwɑː/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "quinoa"?

/ˈkiːnwɑː/ in American English, /ˈkɪnwɑː/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "quinoa"?

“quinoa” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈkiːnwɑː/ 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.

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