tamale

Syllables:
ta·ma·le
3 syllables
tamale in syllables

About "tamale"

Syllables
3
Letters
6
Language
EN

How to Split "tamale" into Syllables

The word tamale is divided into 3 syllables: ta·ma·le. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • ta — 1st syllable
  • ma — 2nd syllable
  • le — 3rd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of tamale:

  • IPA: /təˈmɑː.liː/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. A Mexican dish of cornmeal dough shell filled with various ingredients (e.g. chopped beef, pork, sweet filling) then steamed in corn husks.
  2. The standard Spanish singular is tamal, and thus some proscribe tamale as an incorrect back-formation, preferring to use tamal as the English singular. The similarity of tamale to the ancestral Nahuatl tamalli is not generally cited in support of the English usage of tamale as its spelling does not match with the Nahuatl spelling and the word originally entered via Spanish in the form of tamales.

📚 Word Origin & History

Back-formation from the plural tamales, derived from Latin American Spanish tamales, plural of tamal, derived from Nahuatl tamalli (“wrapped”), derived from Proto-Uto-Aztecan [Term?]. Compare O'odham čïmait (“tortilla”), Hopi tïma (“stone griddle for cooking corn flatbread”), Ute tïʔma- (“to roast under ashes”).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down tamale 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 tamale with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
tamale 3 ta·ma·le
timely 3 ti-me-ly
Tamil 2 ta-mil
toenail 2 toe-nail
tunnel 2 tun-nel

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to tamale:

tam, tame, Tami, tamp, tamer, tames, Tamil, Tammi.

Frequently Asked Questions About "tamale"

How many syllables does "tamale" have?

tamale has 3 syllables: ta·ma·le. The word is divided into 3 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "tamale"?

The stress is on the first syllable: ta. This means you emphasize the "ta" part when pronouncing tamale.

How do you pronounce "tamale"?

tamale is pronounced as /təˈmɑː.liː/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: ta·ma·le.

Is "tamale" easy to spell?

Breaking tamale into syllables helps with spelling: ta·ma·le. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "tamale" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.