How to Pronounce “Versailles”

American (US)

/vərˈsaɪ/

British (UK)

/vɛəˈsaɪ/

proper noun — A city, suburb of Paris and capital of Yvelines department, Île-de-France, and the former capital of France.

Where the stress falls. “Versailles” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /vərˈsaɪ/ 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. /vərˈsaɪ/ 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 "Versailles" mean?

Versailles (proper noun): A city, suburb of Paris and capital of Yvelines department, Île-de-France, and the former capital of France.

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

American English: /vərˈsaɪ/. British English: /vɛəˈsaɪ/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "Versailles"?

/vərˈsaɪ/ in American English, /vɛəˈsaɪ/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "Versailles"?

“Versailles” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /vərˈsaɪ/ 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.