How to Pronounce “Ta-Nehisi Coates”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /tɑː nəˈhiːsi ˈkoʊts/
- British (UK)
- /tɑː nəˈhiːsi ˈkəʊts/
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “Ta-Nehisi Coates” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /tɑː nəˈhiːsi ˈkoʊts/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /tɑː nəˈhiːsi ˈkoʊts/ 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
How do you pronounce "Ta-Nehisi Coates" in American vs British English?
American English: /tɑː nəˈhiːsi ˈkoʊts/. British English: /tɑː nəˈhiːsi ˈkəʊts/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.
What is the IPA transcription of "Ta-Nehisi Coates"?
/tɑː nəˈhiːsi ˈkoʊts/ in American English, /tɑː nəˈhiːsi ˈkəʊts/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "Ta-Nehisi Coates"?
“Ta-Nehisi Coates” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /tɑː nəˈhiːsi ˈkoʊts/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the third one — so the third syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.
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