How to Pronounce Barbarian

To pronounce "barbarian", say BARB-ar-ian — 3 syllables, IPA /bɑː(ɹ).ˈbɛə.ɹi.ən/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

barbarian

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Accent

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3

Syllables

9

Letters

/bɑː(ɹ).ˈbɛə.ɹi.ən/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “barbarian”

"barbarian" has 3 syllables: barb-ar-ian. It rhymes with utilitarian and authoritarian, if that helps it stick.

What does barbarian mean?

noun

  1. A non-Greek or a non-Roman.
  2. An uncivilized or uncultured person, originally compared to the hellenistic Greco-Roman civilisation; often associated with fighting or other such shows of strength.

adjective

  1. Relating to people, countries or customs perceived as uncivilized or inferior.

Synonyms

alienoutlanderperegrinebarbaricbarbarous

Words that rhyme with barbarian

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

utilitarianauthoritarianagrariansectariancontrarianegalitarianproletariandisciplinarianhumanitariancarrioncentenarianoctogenarian

Related words

uncivilizedbarbaricsavageboorwildnoncivilizedchurlpeasant

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "barbarian"?▾

"Barbarian" has 3 syllables: barb · ar · ian.

What is the IPA transcription of "barbarian"?▾

The IPA transcription of "barbarian" is /bɑː(ɹ).ˈbɛə.ɹi.ən/.

What does "barbarian" mean?▾

Barbarian: A non-Greek or a non-Roman.

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