How Many Syllables In Arabic?
3syllables
Arabic has 3 syllables, ar-a-bic. It is a trisyllabic word.
arabic
/ˈær.ə.bɪk/ UK /ˈer.ə.bɪk/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, ar.
Syllable Structure
VC/V/CVC
Division By Sound
/ær.ə.bɪk/
Division By Letters
ar-a-bic
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Arabic
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 | – | æ | r | VC | closed |
| 2 | – | ə | – | V | open |
| 3 | b | ɪ | k | CVC | closed |
Why Arabic Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /r/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /b/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in Arabic?
Arabic has 3 syllables, ar-a-bic. In British English it is transcribed /ˈær.ə.bɪk/.
Which syllable is stressed in Arabic?
The first syllable, ar, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of Arabic?
Arabic has the structure VC/V/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide Arabic into syllables?
By sound, ær.ə.bɪk. By letters, as a spelling guide, ar-a-bic.