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