How do you pronounce "swahili"?

In American English: /swɑːˈhiːli/ (swah-HEEL-ee). In British English: /swɑːhˈiːli/ (swahh-EEL-ee). In Canadian English: /swɑːˈhiːli/ (swah-HEEL-ee). In Australian English: /swɑːhˈiːli/ (swahh-EEL-ee).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /swɑːˈhiːli/ (swah-HEEL-ee), while in British English it's /swɑːhˈiːli/ (swahh-EEL-ee).

How to Pronounce "swahili"

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swahili

disputed

/swɑːˈhiːli/

swah-HEEL-ee

Syllable Breakdown

swɑːswa·hiːlhi·ili

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14