How to Pronounce “Rihanna”

American (US)

/riˈɑːnə/

British (UK)

/rɪˈænə/

proper noun — A female given name from Arabic.

Where the stress falls. “Rihanna” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /riˈɑːnə/ 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. /riˈɑːnə/ 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 "Rihanna" mean?

Rihanna (proper noun): A female given name from Arabic.

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

American English: /riˈɑːnə/. British English: /rɪˈænə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "Rihanna"?

/riˈɑːnə/ in American English, /rɪˈænə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "Rihanna"?

“Rihanna” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /riˈɑːnə/ 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.