"Literally" is everywhere these days—and it's often mispronounced! Whether you're using it correctly ("The book literally fell apart") or for emphasis ("I'm literally dying"), you need to know how to say it.
The Correct Pronunciation
Formal: LIT-er-uh-lee (4 syllables)
Natural speech: LIT-ruh-lee or LIT-rul-ee (3 syllables)
The Syllable Reduction
In everyday speech, "literally" often loses a syllable:
- Careful: LIT-er-uh-lee (4 syllables)
- Natural: LIT-ruh-lee (3 syllables)
- Very casual: LIT-rul-ee (3 syllables)
Both 3-syllable and 4-syllable versions are acceptable!
Step-by-Step Breakdown
4-Syllable Version (Careful Speech)
- LIT /lɪt/ - Like "lit" (a candle is lit)
- er /ər/ - Quick schwa + R
- uh /ə/ - Another schwa
- lee /li/ - Like the name "Lee"
3-Syllable Version (Natural Speech)
- LIT /lɪt/ - Same as above
- ruh /rə/ - R + schwa blended
- lee /li/ - Same ending
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1: Wrong stress
❌ lit-ER-uh-lee
✅ LIT-er-uh-lee (stress on first syllable)
Mistake #2: Spanish-influenced pronunciation
❌ lee-teh-RAL-ee
✅ LIT-er-uh-lee
Mistake #3: Adding extra sounds
❌ LIT-er-uh-lee-ee
✅ LIT-er-uh-lee
Similar "-ally" Words
Words in the Same Family
Practice Sentences
- "I literally just got here."
- "It literally means 'by the letter.'"
- "She literally wrote the book on it."
- "I'm literally so tired."
Usage Note
"Literally" is often used for emphasis, even when something isn't literal:
- "I'm literally dying!" (You're not actually dying)
- "It literally took forever." (It didn't actually take forever)
While language purists debate this usage, it's extremely common in modern English. Focus on pronunciation—the usage debate is separate!
Tips for Spanish Speakers
- Don't pronounce it like "literalmente"
- Stress the first syllable, not the third
- The "t" sounds like a quick "d" between vowels (flap T)
- Reduce to 3 syllables in casual speech
Key Takeaways
- Formal: 4 syllables (LIT-er-uh-lee)
- Casual: 3 syllables (LIT-ruh-lee)
- Stress always on first syllable
- Same pattern as: actually, naturally, basically
- Both pronunciations are correct
Now you can literally say "literally" correctly!