How to Pronounce “Ubuntu”
Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.
▶ Hear it pronouncedIPA Transcription
- American (US)
- /ʊˈbʊntuː/
- British (UK)
- /ʊˈbʊntuː/
What “Ubuntu” means
noun — A Nguni Bantu ideology focusing on people's allegiances and relations with each other.
Example: (The addition of quotations indicative of this usage is being sought:).
Pronunciation Notes
Where the stress falls. “Ubuntu” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ʊˈbʊntuː/ 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "Ubuntu" mean?
Ubuntu (noun): A Nguni Bantu ideology focusing on people's allegiances and relations with each other. For example — (The addition of quotations indicative of this usage is being sought:).
How do you pronounce "Ubuntu" in American vs British English?
Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "Ubuntu", /ʊˈbʊntuː/, 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 "Ubuntu"?
/ʊˈbʊntuː/ in American English, /ʊˈbʊntuː/ in British English.
Which syllable is stressed in "Ubuntu"?
“Ubuntu” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ʊˈbʊntuː/ 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.
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