How to Pronounce Alpha

To pronounce "alpha", say ALPH-a — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈælfə/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

alpha

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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2

Syllables

5

Letters

/ˈælfə/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “alpha”

"alpha" has 2 syllables: alph-a. It rhymes with alfalfa and alfa, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: alfa — easy to mix up when writing.

What does alpha mean?

noun

  1. The name of the first letter of the Greek alphabet (Α, α), followed by beta. In the Latin alphabet it is the predecessor to A.
  2. Latin alpha

adjective

  1. Designates the first in an order of precedence.

    “I am the alpha male.”

  2. (of person, object or action) exhibiting characteristics of the alpha male/female archetype.

Hear “alpha” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with alpha

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

alfalfaalfadqalpha

Related words

importantalphabetalphabeticalalphabeticalphanumericalphabeticallyletterliteracy

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "alpha"?▾

"Alpha" has 2 syllables: alph · a.

What is the IPA transcription of "alpha"?▾

The IPA transcription of "alpha" is /ˈælfə/.

What does "alpha" mean?▾

Alpha: The name of the first letter of the Greek alphabet (Α, α), followed by beta. In the Latin alphabet it is the predecessor to A.

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