How do you pronounce "optional"?

In American English: /ˈɑːpʃənəl/ (AHPSH-uhn-uhl). In British English: /ˈɒpʃənəl/ (OPSH-uhn-uhl). In Canadian English: /ˈɑːpʃənəl/ (AHPSH-uhn-uhl). In Australian English: /ˈɒpʃənəl/ (OPSH-uhn-uhl).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈɑːpʃənəl/ (AHPSH-uhn-uhl), while in British English it's /ˈɒpʃənəl/ (OPSH-uhn-uhl).

How to Pronounce "optional"

🗣️pronounce.how

optional

regional

/ˈɑːpʃənəl/

AHPSH-uhn-uhl

Syllable Breakdown

ɑːpʃop·əntion·əlal

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

All Variants

Browse by Letter

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

Edit on GitHub Report an issue

Last updated: 2026-02-14