May

How to Split "May" into Syllables

The word May is divided into 1 syllables: may. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

• may — 1st syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of May:

• IPA: /meɪ/

📖 Definitions

1. may (third-person singular simple present may, no present participle, simple past might, no past participle)
2. May is now a defective verb. It has no infinitive, no past participle, and no future tense. Forms of to be allowed to are used to replace these missing tenses.

📚 Word Origin & History

Abbreviation of English Malay or Malay Melayu. From Middle English mowen, mayen, moȝen, maȝen, from Old English magan, from Proto-West Germanic *magan, from Proto-Germanic *maganą, from Proto-Indo-European *megʰ-. Cognate with Dutch mag (“may”, first- and third-person singular of mogen (“to be able to, be allowed to, may”)), Low German mögen, German mag (“like”, first- and third-person singular of mögen (“to like, want, require”)), Swedish må, Icelandic mega, megum. See a...

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down May into syllables helps with:

• Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
• Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
• Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
• Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
• Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare May with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word	Syllables	Division
May	1	may
minim	2	mi-nim
monomania	4	mo-no-ma-nia
mammy	2	mam-my
Menominee	4	me-no-mi-nee

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to May:

Maya, Mayo, Mayan, maybe, Mayer, mayor, Mayra, mayday.