How to Pronounce File

To pronounce "file", say FIL-e — 2 syllables, IPA /faɪl/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

file

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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2

Syllables

4

Letters

/faɪl/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “file”

"file" has 2 syllables: fil-e. It rhymes with reconcile and vile, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: phyle, pfeil — easy to mix up when writing.

What does file mean?

noun

  1. A collection of papers collated and archived together.
  2. A roll or list.

verb

  1. To commit (official papers) to some office.
  2. To place in an archive in a logical place and order

Synonyms

documentpaper

Hear “file” 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 file

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

reconcilevilebeguileversatilejuvenilesenilehostilepileaislesmilereviletrial

Related words

registerchargelodgedossier

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "file"?▾

"File" has 2 syllables: fil · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "file"?▾

The IPA transcription of "file" is /faɪl/.

What does "file" mean?▾

File: A collection of papers collated and archived together.

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