How Many Syllables In Civilian?
3syllables
Civilian has 3 syllables, ci-vil-ian. It is a trisyllabic word.
civilian
/sɪˈvɪl.jən/ UK /sɪˈvɪl.jən/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, vil.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/CVC
Division By Sound
/sɪ.vɪl.jən/
Division By Letters
ci-vil-ian
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Civilian
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | s | ɪ | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | v | ɪ | l | CVC | closed |
| 3 | j | ə | n | CVC | closed |
Why Civilian Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /v/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
- Syllable 2 is stressed and has the short vowel /ɪ/, so it keeps a coda /l/.
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in civilian?
Civilian has 3 syllables, ci-vil-ian. In British English it is transcribed /sɪˈvɪl.jən/.
Which syllable is stressed in civilian?
The second syllable, vil, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of civilian?
Civilian has the structure CV/CVC/CVC, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide civilian into syllables?
By sound, sɪ.vɪl.jən. By letters, as a spelling guide, ci-vil-ian.