How to Pronounce lieutenant
Language: English (from French) IPA: /lɛfˈtɛnənt/ (US) or /lɛˈtɛnənt/ (UK)
Pronunciation explanation
American: lef-TEN-unt. British: luh-TEN-unt. The bizarre American pronunciation of "lef" comes from an older Anglo-French variant. The British pronunciation drops the "f" entirely. Two valid pronunciations, both official.
Practice tip
USA: lef-TEN-unt. UK: luh-TEN-unt. Both correct in their regions.
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