How to Pronounce Really

"Really" is not spelled the way it sounds. Its pronunciation is /ˈɹiɫi/ in IPA and it has 2 syllables. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents — the audio is the reliable guide for a word like this.

really

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Accent

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Speed

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2

Syllables

6

Letters

/ˈɹiɫi/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/ɹˈiəli/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “really”

"really" has 2 syllables: really.

What does really mean?

adverb

  1. In a way or manner that is real, not unreal.
  2. Actually; in fact; in reality.

interjection

  1. Indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism.
  2. A phatic confirmation by a listener, to signal active listening; mostly devoid of literal meaning, with the phatically contrived incredulity being merely formulaic.

verb

  1. Alternative form of re-ally.

Keep practicing

Related pages on PronounceIt, chosen from what we know about this word.

Train the contrast: light vs right

Sounds worth drilling for a word spelled like this:

/r/ — r/aɪ/ — long i/l/ — l

Read next: Long and Short Vowel Sounds in English

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "really"?▾

"Really" is not spelled the way it sounds. Its pronunciation is /ˈɹiɫi/ in IPA and it has 2 syllables. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents — the audio is the reliable guide for a word like this.

How many syllables are in "really"?▾

"Really" has 2 syllables.

What is the IPA transcription of "really"?▾

The IPA transcription of "really" is /ˈɹiɫi/.

What does "really" mean?▾

Really: In a way or manner that is real, not unreal.

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