How to Pronounce "data"
The correct pronunciation of "data" is DAY-tuh /ˈdeɪ.tə/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "DAA-ta" habit for good.
data
/ˈdeɪ.tə/Facts and figures collected for reference or analysis.
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Record yourself saying “data” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "DAA-ta" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying "DAA-ta" with a flat first vowel and a hard, stressed second syllable. | DAY-tuh /ˈdeɪ.tə/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | First syllable (DAY). |
How Do You Pronounce "data"?
"data" is pronounced DAY-tuh /ˈdeɪ.tə/. The stress is on the first syllable (DAY). As a noun, it means facts and figures collected for reference or analysis.
The first syllable is "DAY" (a long /eɪ/), and the second is a soft, unstressed "tuh" (a schwa), not a hard "TAA".
Note: US /ˈdæt.ə/ ("DAT-uh") is also fully correct; /ˈdeɪ.tə/ ("DAY-tuh") is the most widely taught.
Say "data" Step by Step
Break the word down, get the stress right, then blend it back together at normal speed. Repeat each step out loud three times.
Break it into syllables
DAY-tuh — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
First syllable (DAY). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The first syllable is "DAY" (a long /eɪ/), and the second is a soft, unstressed "tuh" (a schwa), not a hard "TAA".
Blend and repeat
Now say "data" at normal speed: DAY-tuh. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "data" (2 Minutes, Out Loud)
Say each drill line aloud, slowly first, then at normal speed. On the last drill, use the mic check at the top of this page to test yourself.
day → date → DAY-tuh
Stretch the first syllable into a clear DAY (long a), never a flat DAA.
NOT DAA-ta — DAY-tuh
Let the second syllable fall away softly: tuh, not TAA.
Say at speed: "The data shows a clear upward trend."
Keep DAY long and tuh soft even at normal speaking pace.
Why "data" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Hindi and most Indian languages pronounce the letter "a" as a flat /ɑː/, so the diphthong /eɪ/ in "DAY" gets flattened.
Tip: Stretch the first syllable into a clear "DAY" and let the second syllable fall away softly: DAY-tuh.
Hear “data” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
Please back up the data before the update.
The data shows a clear upward trend.
We need more data to make a decision.
Words Related to "data"
Related: metadata
Same "DAY-tuh" ending: MET-uh-DAY-tuh.
Now say it inside a sentence
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Frequently Asked Questions
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