To pronounce "civilian", say CIV-il-ian — 3 syllables, IPA /sɪˈvɪljən/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.
civilian
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3
Syllables
8
Letters
/sɪˈvɪljən/
IPA
"civilian" has 3 syllables: civ-il-ian. It rhymes with pavilion and vermilion, if that helps it stick.
noun
“Three civilians were apprehended by the soldiers and taken away in a military vehicle.”
“The bathroom was for employees only, so no civilians were allowed to use it.”
adjective
“He worked as a civilian journalist for ten years before being employed by the public broadcaster.”
Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.
"Civilian" has 3 syllables: civ · il · ian.
The IPA transcription of "civilian" is /sɪˈvɪljən/.
Civilian: A person following the pursuits of civil life, especially one who is not an active member of the armed forces.
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