How to Pronounce Retroflex

To pronounce "retroflex", say RETR-ofl-ex — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈɹɛt.ɹə.flɛks/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

retroflex

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Accent

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3

Syllables

9

Letters

/ˈɹɛt.ɹə.flɛks/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “retroflex”

"retroflex" has 3 syllables: retr-ofl-ex.

What does retroflex mean?

noun

  1. A consonant pronounced with the underside of the tongue approaching or touching the palate.
  2. A consonant pronounced with the tip of the tongue approaching or touching the back of the alveolar ridge.

adjective

  1. Bent or curved backwards.
  2. Of pronunciation in which the tip of the tongue is raised and bent backwards, so that the underside of the tongue approaches or touches the palate.

Synonyms

reflexedflatlaminalpostalveolarapicalpalatalsubapical

Related words

backwardcacuminalapproximantretroflexiveretrovertedretrorsalretrolateralanteflexed

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "retroflex"?▾

"Retroflex" has 3 syllables: retr · ofl · ex.

What is the IPA transcription of "retroflex"?▾

The IPA transcription of "retroflex" is /ˈɹɛt.ɹə.flɛks/.

What does "retroflex" mean?▾

Retroflex: A consonant pronounced with the underside of the tongue approaching or touching the palate.

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