How to Pronounce “tachycardia”

American (US)

/ˌtæk.ɪˈkɑɹ.di.ə/

British (UK)

/ˌtæk.ɪˈkɑː.di.ə/

Australian (AU)

/ˌtæk.ɪˈkɐː.di.ə/

noun — A rapid resting heart rate, especially one above 100 beats per minute; palpitations.

Where the stress falls. “tachycardia” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌtæk.ɪˈkɑɹ.di.ə/ 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. /ˌtæk.ɪˈkɑɹ.di.ə/ 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 "tachycardia" mean?

tachycardia (noun): A rapid resting heart rate, especially one above 100 beats per minute; palpitations.

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

American English: /ˌtæk.ɪˈkɑɹ.di.ə/. British English: /ˌtæk.ɪˈkɑː.di.ə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "tachycardia"?

/ˌtæk.ɪˈkɑɹ.di.ə/ in American English, /ˌtæk.ɪˈkɑː.di.ə/ in British English, /ˌtæk.ɪˈkɐː.di.ə/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "tachycardia"?

“tachycardia” has 5 syllables, and the transcription /ˌtæk.ɪˈkɑɹ.di.ə/ 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.