How Many Syllables In Really?
2syllables
Really has 2 syllables, reall-y. It is a disyllabic word.
really
/ˈrɪə.li/ UK /ˈriː.li/ US
Really can also be said with 3 syllables (UK /ˈriː.ə.li/).
Stress
The main stress falls on the first syllable, reall.
Syllable Structure
CV/CV
Division By Sound
/rɪə.li/
Division By Letters
reall-y
A spelling guide that follows the sound division.
Tree Diagram Of Really
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 | r | ɪə | – | CV | open |
| 2 | l | i | – | CV | open |
Why Really Divides Here
- Between syllables 1 and 2, /l/ goes to the right, following the Maximal Onsets Principle.
Pronunciations
| Form | UK | US | Syllables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main | /ˈrɪə.li/ | /ˈriː.li/ | 2 |
| Also | /ˈriː.ə.li/ | 3 |
Questions Students Ask
How many syllables are in really?
Really has 2 syllables, reall-y. In British English it is transcribed /ˈrɪə.li/.
Which syllable is stressed in really?
The first syllable, reall, carries the main stress.
What is the syllable structure of really?
Really has the structure CV/CV, where C is a consonant sound and V is a vowel sound.
How do you divide really into syllables?
By sound, rɪə.li. By letters, as a spelling guide, reall-y.