How to Pronounce “tempura”

American (US)

/tɛmˈpu.ɹə/

British (UK)

/ˈtɛmpʊɹə/

noun — A Japanese dish made by deep-frying vegetables, seafood, or other foods in a light batter.

Where the stress falls. “tempura” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /tɛmˈpu.ɹə/ 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. /tɛmˈpu.ɹə/ 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 "tempura" mean?

tempura (noun): A Japanese dish made by deep-frying vegetables, seafood, or other foods in a light batter.

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

American English: /tɛmˈpu.ɹə/. British English: /ˈtɛmpʊɹə/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "tempura"?

/tɛmˈpu.ɹə/ in American English, /ˈtɛmpʊɹə/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "tempura"?

“tempura” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /tɛmˈpu.ɹə/ 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.