How to Pronounce “soba”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ˈsoʊbə/
- British (UK)
- /ˈsəʊbə/
What “soba” means
noun — A Japanese buckwheat noodle.
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “soba” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsoʊbə/ 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.
An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈsoʊbə/ 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 "soba" mean?
soba (noun): A Japanese buckwheat noodle.
How do you pronounce "soba" in American vs British English?
American English: /ˈsoʊbə/. British English: /ˈsəʊbə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.
What is the IPA transcription of "soba"?
/ˈsoʊbə/ in American English, /ˈsəʊbə/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "soba"?
“soba” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsoʊbə/ 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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