How do you pronounce "leitmotif"?

In American English: /ˈlaɪtmoʊˌtiːf/ (LEYETM-oh-teef). In British English: /lˈeɪtmətˌɪf/ (L-aytm-uht). In Canadian English: /ˈlʌɪtmoʊˌtiːf/ (LUH-itm-oh-teef). In Australian English: /lˈeɪtmətˌɪf/ (L-aytm-uht).

Is "leitmotif" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈlaɪtmoʊˌtiːf/ (LEYETM-oh-teef), while in British English it's /lˈeɪtmətˌɪf/ (L-aytm-uht).

How to Pronounce "leitmotif"

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leitmotif

regional

/ˈlaɪtmoʊˌtiːf/

LEYETM-oh-teef

Syllable Breakdown

laɪtmleit·oʊmo·tiːftif

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14