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. (modal) Actually; in fact; in reality.

    “"He really is a true friend." / "Really? What makes you so sure?"”

interjection

  1. Indicating surprise at, or requesting confirmation of, some new information; to express skepticism.

    “A: He won the Nobel Prize yesterday.”

  2. (sarcastic, typically exaggerated question.) Indicating that what was just said was obvious and unnecessary; contrived incredulity

    “A: I've just been reading Shakespeare - he's one of the best authors like, ever!”

Synonyms

actuallyin factindeedtrulysono kiddingno reallyoh reallyyou don't say

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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