How Many Syllables In Gorilla?
3syllables
Gorilla has 3 syllables, go-rill-a. It is a trisyllabic word.
gorilla
/ɡəˈrɪl.ə/ UK /ɡəˈrɪl.ə/ US
Stress
The main stress falls on the second syllable, rill.
Syllable Structure
CV/CVC/V
Division By Sound
/ɡə.rɪl.ə/
Division By Letters
go-rill-a
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Gorilla
S syllable, O onset, R rime, P peak, C coda, Ø no coda.
Parts Of Each Syllable
| Syllable | Onset | Peak | Coda | Pattern | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ɡ | ə | – | CV | open |
| 2 primary stress | r | ɪ | l | CVC | closed |
| 3 | – | ə | – | V | open |
Why Gorilla Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /r/ 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 gorilla?
Gorilla has 3 syllables, go-rill-a. In British English it is transcribed /ɡəˈrɪl.ə/.
Which syllable is stressed in gorilla?
The second syllable, rill, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of gorilla?
Gorilla has the structure CV/CVC/V, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide gorilla into syllables?
By sound, ɡə.rɪl.ə. By letters, as a spelling guide, go-rill-a.