How to Pronounce “usually”

American (US)

/ˈjuːʒuəli/

British (UK)

/ˈjuːʒʊəli/

Australian (AU)

/ˈjʉːʒʊə.li/

adverb — Most of the time; less than always, but more than occasionally.

Example: Except for one or two days a year, he usually walks to work.

Where the stress falls. “usually” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈjuːʒuəli/ 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. /ˈjuːʒuəli/ 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 "usually" mean?

usually (adverb): Most of the time; less than always, but more than occasionally. For example — Except for one or two days a year, he usually walks to work.

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

American English: /ˈjuːʒuəli/. British English: /ˈjuːʒʊəli/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "usually"?

/ˈjuːʒuəli/ in American English, /ˈjuːʒʊəli/ in British English, /ˈjʉːʒʊə.li/ in Australian English.

Which syllable is stressed in "usually"?

“usually” has 4 syllables, and the transcription /ˈjuːʒuəli/ 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.