Learn How to Pronounce tempo

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tempo

Definition:

(nou) the speed at which a composition is to be played (nou) the rate of some repeating event

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈtempəʊ

Examples:

The tempo of the piece is the speed of the pulse.

The horse should maintain tempo, rhythm, and impulsion.

The tempo of the music was arrhythmic.

Learn more about:
tempo

Related Words:

rhythm

speed

How to perfect your pronunciation of: tempo

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Common mistakes of tempo pronunciation

Misplacing stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "tem-PO." The correct stress is on the first syllable: /ˈtɛmpoʊ/ (US) or /ˈtɛmpəʊ/ (UK). Tip: Remember to emphasize the first part, "tem."
Vowel confusion: Some people pronounce "tempo" with a long "e" sound, as in "teem." The correct vowel sound is a short "e" as in "ten": /ˈtɛmpoʊ/ (US) or /ˈtɛmpəʊ/ (UK). Tip: Practice saying "ten" to get the right vowel.
Overemphasizing the "o": Learners may pronounce the final "o" as a distinct syllable, saying "tem-po." In reality, it should blend smoothly, sounding like /ˈtɛmpoʊ/ (US) or /ˈtɛmpəʊ/ (UK). Tip: Focus on the flow of the word without pausing at the end.
Incorrect syllable count: Some may mistakenly think "tempo" has three syllables, saying "tem-po-o." The word actually has two syllables: /ˈtɛmpoʊ/ (US) or /ˈtɛmpəʊ/ (UK). Tip: Count the syllables while pronouncing to reinforce the correct rhythm.
Mispronouncing the "t": A common error is softening the "t" to a "d" sound, saying "dempo." The "t" should be clearly pronounced as /t/ in both variants: /ˈtɛmpoʊ/ (US) or /ˈtɛmpəʊ/ (UK). Tip: Practice with words starting with "t" to strengthen your pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "tempo" in English?

In English, "tempo" is pronounced as /ˈtɛmpoʊ/ in American English and /ˈtɛmpəʊ/ in British English. The first syllable is stressed, and the vowel sound in the second syllable is a schwa, which sounds like "uh."

What are the syllables in "tempo"?

The word "tempo" has two syllables: "tem" and "po." The first syllable "tem" is stressed, while the second syllable "po" is pronounced with a lighter emphasis.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "tempo"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress on the second syllable, saying "tem-PO" instead of "TEM-po." This can change how the word is perceived, so it's important to keep the stress on the first syllable.

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "tempo" in different regions?

While the basic pronunciation of "tempo" remains consistent, regional accents may slightly alter the vowel sounds. For instance, some speakers may pronounce the second syllable more distinctly than others, but the stress pattern stays the same.