thirteen

Syllables:
thir·teen
2 syllables
thirteen in syllables

About "thirteen"

Syllables
2
Letters
8
Language
EN

How to Split "thirteen" into Syllables

The word thirteen is divided into 2 syllables: thir·teen. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • thir — 1st syllable
  • teen — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of thirteen:

  • IPA: /ˌθɜːˈtiːn/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. “thirteen, num. adj.”, in The Dictionary of the Scots Language, Edinburgh: Scottish Language Dictionaries, 2004–present, →OCLC, retrieved 12 June 2024, reproduced from W[illiam] Grant and D[avid] D. Murison, editors, The Scottish National Dictionary, Edinburgh: Scottish National Dictionary Association, 1931–1976, →OCLC.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English thirttene, variant (through metathesis) of thrittene, from Old English þrēotīene, from Proto-Germanic *þritehun, compound of *þrīz (“three”) + *tehun (“teen”). Cognate with West Frisian trettjin, Dutch dertien, German dreizehn, Danish tretten. Equivalent to three +‎ -teen. Inherited from Middle Scots thretten, from Middle English thrittene, from Old English þrēotīene, þrēotēne, from Proto-Germanic *þritehun.

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

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

Word Syllables Division
thirteen 2 thir·teen
Triton 2 tri-ton
threaten 2 threa-ten
trodden 2 trod-den
titration 3 ti-tra-tion

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to thirteen:

thin, this, thick, thief, Thieu, thigh, thine, thing.

Frequently Asked Questions About "thirteen"

How many syllables does "thirteen" have?

thirteen has 2 syllables: thir·teen. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "thirteen"?

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

How do you pronounce "thirteen"?

thirteen is pronounced as /ˌθɜːˈtiːn/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: thir·teen.

Is "thirteen" easy to spell?

Breaking thirteen into syllables helps with spelling: thir·teen. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "thirteen" 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.