How Many Syllables In Candidate?
3syllables
Candidate has 3 syllables, can-di-date. It is a trisyllabic word.
candidate
/ˈkæn.dɪ.dət/ UK /ˈkæn.də.deɪt/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, can.
Syllable Structure
CVC/CV/CVC
Division By Sound
/kæn.dɪ.dət/
Division By Letters
can-di-date
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Candidate
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 | k | æ | n | CVC | closed |
| 2 | d | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 3 | d | ə | t | CVC | closed |
Why Candidate Divides Here
- Syllable 1 is stressed and has the short vowel /æ/, so it keeps a coda /n/.
- Between syllables 2 and 3, /d/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈkæn.dɪ.dət/ | /ˈkæn.də.deɪt/ | 3 |
| Also | /ˈkæn.dɪ.dɪt/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in candidate?
Candidate has 3 syllables, can-di-date. In British English it is transcribed /ˈkæn.dɪ.dət/.
Which syllable is stressed in candidate?
The first syllable, can, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of candidate?
Candidate has the structure CVC/CV/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide candidate into syllables?
By sound, kæn.dɪ.dət. By letters, as a spelling guide, can-di-date.