How to pronounce “database”
Database is pronounced /ˈdeɪtəˌbeɪs/. It has 3 syllables, and the beat falls on the first one — deɪ. Below: the syllable split, native audio in both accents, the mistake people actually make with this word, and every individual sound in it explained.
Syllables and stress
Split it into 3 beats. The highlighted syllable is the strong one: say it louder, longer and a touch higher in pitch, and let the others fall away. English is a stress-timed language, so getting deɪ in the right place matters more to a listener than getting every vowel perfect.
Stress pattern Ooō — capital letters mark the stressed beats.
The common mispronunciation of “database”
✗ Often said: /ˈdætæbeɪs/ — the spelling, read straight off the page.
✓ Actually: /ˈdeɪtəˌbeɪs/
Why the two come apart: the silent final “e” (it lengthens the vowel instead) is not pronounced, even though the spelling begs you to say it; also, the unstressed vowels flatten all the way down to /ə/ — English swallows them, so they never sound the way they are written; also, at least one vowel does not say what its spelling suggests — English vowel letters are not reliable here.
This is why reading English aloud from spelling alone goes wrong so often: the letters of “database” are not a reliable map of its sounds. The IPA is — each symbol stands for exactly one sound, every time.
“database” sound by sound
“database” is built out of 7 sounds. Say each one on its own first, slowly, then run them together at speed. Every sound links to a full guide with mouth position, the mistake learners make with it, and other words that use it.
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dSame tongue position as /t/ — tip on the ridge behind the upper teeth — but voice the sound and release it without aspiration.
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eɪStart at the /e/ position and glide upward and forward toward /ɪ/ — the jaw closes as you say it.
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tTouch the tongue tip to the bumpy ridge just behind the upper teeth, block the air, then release it with a puff.
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əDo almost nothing: leave the tongue in its neutral resting position, mouth slightly open, and make the shortest, weakest possible vowel.
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bPress both lips together and release them while the vocal folds are already vibrating, with no puff of air.
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eɪStart at the /e/ position and glide upward and forward toward /ɪ/ — the jaw closes as you say it.
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sHold the tongue tip near (not touching) the ridge behind the upper teeth and force a narrow stream of air down the groove of the tongue.
Silent letters in “database”
Letters you write but never say — this is the single biggest reason the word trips people up:
- eThe letter “e”Silent final “e” (it lengthens the vowel instead) — write it, but do not let it reach your mouth.
Questions people ask about “database”
- How do you pronounce “database”?
- “database” is pronounced /ˈdeɪtəˌbeɪs/, with the stress on the first syllable (deɪ). Press the US or UK button above to hear it spoken.
- How many syllables are in “database”?
- “database” has 3 syllables: deɪ · tə · beɪs. The stress pattern is Ooō.
- What is the common mispronunciation of “database”?
- People read it off the spelling as /ˈdætæbeɪs/, but it is actually /ˈdeɪtəˌbeɪs/, because the silent final “e” (it lengthens the vowel instead) is not pronounced, even though the spelling begs you to say it.
- Does “database” have any silent letters?
- Yes — silent final “e” (it lengthens the vowel instead).
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