A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Parthenon
Pronounce the Parthenon like the ancient Greek temple: PAR-thuh-non, with stress on the first syllable.
parthenon
PAR-thuh-non
/ˈpɑrθəˌnɑn/ · PAR · thuh · non
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's a common topic in educational settings, travel guides, and documentaries about Greece.
Where the word comes from
The name 'Parthenon' comes from Ancient Greek 'Parthenon', meaning 'temple of the virgin goddess'. It refers to Athena Parthenos, the virgin goddess to whom the temple was dedicated.
Common ways people get it wrong
- par-THEN-on Some people stress the second syllable because of the '-en-' spelling, but the stress is on the first syllable in English and Greek.
- par-THAH-non The 'o' in the final syllable is typically pronounced like the 'o' in 'on', not like the 'a' in 'father'.
Frequently asked
What is the correct pronunciation of Parthenon?
The most common pronunciation in English is PAR-thuh-non, with the stress on the first syllable. The 'th' is soft, like in 'thin'.
Is the 'th' in Parthenon voiced or unvoiced?
The 'th' in Parthenon is unvoiced, meaning it's pronounced with air passing through your mouth without vibrating your vocal cords, like the 'th' in 'thin' or 'path'.
Where is the Parthenon located?
The Parthenon is an ancient temple located on the Athenian Acropolis in Athens, Greece. It's one of the most iconic ancient Greek monuments.
How do you say Parthenon in Greek?
In Greek, the Parthenon is pronounced Par-the-non. The stress is on the second syllable.
Is the 'th' in Parthenon pronounced?
Yes, the 'th' in Parthenon is pronounced like the 'th' in 'thin'. It is not silent.
What is the Parthenon pronunciation in English?
In English, the Parthenon is typically pronounced PAR-the-non. The stress is on the first syllable.
What is the difference between Acropolis and Parthenon?
The Acropolis is a high, rocky outcrop in Athens, while the Parthenon is a specific temple located on the Acropolis.
