How Many Syllables In Family?
3syllables
Family has 3 syllables, fam-i-ly. It is a trisyllabic word.
family
/ˈfæm.ɪ.li/ UK /ˈfæm.ə.li/ US
Family can also be said with 2 syllables (UK /ˈfæm.li/).
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, fam.
Syllable Structure
CVC/V/CV
Division By Sound
/fæm.ɪ.li/
Division By Letters
fam-i-ly
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Family
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 primary stress | f | æ | m | CVC | closed |
| 2 | – | ɪ | – | V | open |
| 3 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Family Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /m/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈfæm.ɪ.li/ | /ˈfæm.ə.li/ | 3 |
| Also | /ˈfæm.li/ | 2 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in family?
Family has 3 syllables, fam-i-ly. In British English it is transcribed /ˈfæm.ɪ.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in family?
The first syllable, fam, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of family?
Family has the structure CVC/V/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide family into syllables?
By sound, fæm.ɪ.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, fam-i-ly.