How to Pronounce "pneumonia"
The correct pronunciation of "pneumonia" is nyoo-MOH-nee-uh /njuːˈməʊ.ni.ə/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "puh-noo-MO-nia" habit for good.
pneumonia
/njuːˈməʊ.ni.ə/A serious illness affecting the lungs.
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Record yourself saying “pneumonia” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "puh-noo-MO-nia" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying "puh-noo-MO-nia" — pronouncing the "p" at the start. | nyoo-MOH-nee-uh /njuːˈməʊ.ni.ə/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | Second syllable (MOH). |
How Do You Pronounce "pneumonia"?
"pneumonia" is pronounced nyoo-MOH-nee-uh /njuːˈməʊ.ni.ə/. The stress is on the second syllable (MOH). As a noun, it means a serious illness affecting the lungs.
The "p" is SILENT — the word starts with "nyoo": nyoo-MOH-nee-uh.
Note: US /nuːˈmoʊ.njə/ ("noo-MOH-nyuh") — the "p" is silent in both.
Say "pneumonia" 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
nyoo-MOH-nee-uh — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
Second syllable (MOH). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The "p" is SILENT — the word starts with "nyoo": nyoo-MOH-nee-uh.
Blend and repeat
Now say "pneumonia" at normal speed: nyoo-MOH-nee-uh. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "pneumonia" (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.
say new → nyoo → nyoo-MOH-nee-uh
Start on 'new' — the p is silent.
nyoo → MOH → nee → uh: nyoo-MOH-nee-uh
Four beats, with the stress on MOH.
NOT puh-noo-MO-nia — nyoo-MOH-nee-uh
Never voice the p; it exists only in writing.
At speed: hospitalized with pneumonia
Clean 'nyoo' start, MOH carries the stress.
Why "pneumonia" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Greek "pn" words keep the "p" only in writing; nothing in the spelling signals silence.
Tip: Start from the "n": nyoo-MOH-nee-uh. The "p" exists only for your eyes.
Hear “pneumonia” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
He was hospitalized with pneumonia.
Pneumonia is common in winter months.
The vaccine protects against pneumonia.
Words Related to "pneumonia"
Now say it inside a sentence
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Frequently Asked Questions
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