How to Pronounce Carbon

To pronounce "carbon", say CARB-on — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈkɑɹbən/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

carbon

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Accent

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Speed

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈkɑɹbən/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “carbon”

"carbon" has 2 syllables: carb-on. It rhymes with farben and hydrocarbon, if that helps it stick.

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

What does carbon mean?

noun

The chemical element (symbol C) with an atomic number of 6. It can be found in pure form for example as graphite, a black, shiny and very soft material, or diamond, a colourless, transparent, crystalline solid and the hardest known material.
An atom of this element, in reference to a molecule containing it.
“A methane molecule is made up of a single carbon with four hydrogens.”

verb

To cause (someone) to receive a carbon copy of an email message.
“When I send it, I'll carbon Julia so she's aware.”

Synonyms

Words that rhyme with carbon

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

farben hydrocarbon fluorocarbon charbon barbin carbin darbonne harbin

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "carbon"?▾

"Carbon" has 2 syllables: carb · on.

What is the IPA transcription of "carbon"?▾

The IPA transcription of "carbon" is /ˈkɑɹbən/.

What does "carbon" mean?▾

Carbon: The chemical element (symbol C) with an atomic number of 6. It can be found in pure form for example as graphite, a black, shiny and very soft material, or diamond, a colourless, transparent, crystalline solid and the hardest known material.

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