How to Pronounce Shanghai

To pronounce "shanghai", say SHANGH-ai — 2 syllables, IPA /ˌʃæŋˈhaɪ/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

shanghai

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying shanghai, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

2

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˌʃæŋˈhaɪ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “shanghai”

"shanghai" has 2 syllables: shangh-ai. It rhymes with wry and exemplify, if that helps it stick.

What does shanghai mean?

noun

  1. A tall dandy.

verb

  1. To force or trick (someone) into joining a ship as part of the crew.
  2. To abduct or coerce.

Synonyms

press-gang

Words that rhyme with shanghai

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

wryexemplifyrectifyhighlieapplyfortifyawrymollifyamplifynullifycry

Related words

impresscitymunicipalitystraitseanankingchineseshanghainese

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "shanghai"?▾

"Shanghai" has 2 syllables: shangh · ai.

What is the IPA transcription of "shanghai"?▾

The IPA transcription of "shanghai" is /ˌʃæŋˈhaɪ/.

What does "shanghai" mean?▾

Shanghai: A tall dandy.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “shanghai” in the full dictionary →