How to Pronounce “ricotta”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ɹɪˈkɑtə/
- British (UK)
- /ɹɪˈkɒtə/
What “ricotta” means
noun — A soft Italian unsalted whey cheese resembling cottage cheese.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “ricotta” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ɹɪˈkɑtə/ 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. /ɹɪˈkɑtə/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "ricotta" mean?
ricotta (noun): A soft Italian unsalted whey cheese resembling cottage cheese.
How do you pronounce "ricotta" in American vs British English?
American English: /ɹɪˈkɑtə/. British English: /ɹɪˈkɒtə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.
What is the IPA transcription of "ricotta"?
/ɹɪˈkɑtə/ in American English, /ɹɪˈkɒtə/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "ricotta"?
“ricotta” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ɹɪˈkɑtə/ 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.
Related words to practice
Browse the full word index or use the pronunciation tool.