How Many Syllables In Swahili?
3syllables
Swahili has 3 syllables, swa-hi-li. It is a trisyllabic word.
swahili
/swɑːˈhiː.li/ UK /swɑːˈhiː.li/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, hi.
Syllable Structure
CCV/CV/CV
Division By Sound
/swɑː.hiː.li/
Division By Letters
swa-hi-li
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Swahili
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | sw | ɑː | – | CCV | open |
| 2 primary stress | h | iː | – | CV | open |
| 3 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Swahili Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /h/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in Swahili?
Swahili has 3 syllables, swa-hi-li. In British English it is transcribed /swɑːˈhiː.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in Swahili?
The second syllable, hi, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of Swahili?
Swahili has the structure CCV/CV/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide Swahili into syllables?
By sound, swɑː.hiː.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, swa-hi-li.