How to Pronounce “semi”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ˈsemi/
- British (UK)
- /ˈsemi/
What “semi” means
noun — A semi-detached house.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “semi” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsemi/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "semi" mean?
semi (noun): A semi-detached house.
How do you pronounce "semi" in American vs British English?
Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "semi", /ˈsemi/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.
What is the IPA transcription of "semi"?
/ˈsemi/ in American English, /ˈsemi/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "semi"?
“semi” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsemi/ 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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