How to pronounce "destination"

destination

Noun
American
/ˌdɛstəˈneɪʃən/

Syllable Breakdown

des ti na tion

How natives say destination

British
/ˌdɛstɪˈneɪʃən/

Syllable Breakdown

des ti na tion

How natives say destination

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'des', like in 'desk', but unstressed.

  • Emphasize 'ti' with a clear short 'i'.

  • Follow with 'na' as in 'nay', stressing this syllable.

  • End with 'tion', pronounced like 'shun'.

Common Mistakes

  • des-ti-nay-shun instead of des-ti-ne-shun

  • misplacing stress on first syllable

  • using 'zee' instead of 'shun' at the end

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'des', like in 'desk', but unstressed.

  • Emphasize 'ti' with a clear short 'i'.

  • Follow with 'na' as in 'nay', stressing this syllable.

  • End with 'tion', pronounced like 'shun'.

common mistakes

  • same as American

  • same as American

  • same as American

FAQ

Where is the stress in 'destination'?

The stress is on the third syllable, 'na'.

How do you pronounce the ending 'tion'?

It sounds like 'shun'.

Is the 't' in 'destination' a strong sound?

No, it is softer and blends with the 'i'.

Definition

destination

The place someone is going or being sent.

Word Family

destiny

/ˈdɛstɪni/

noun

Fate or future outcome

Example: He believes in destiny.

destine

/ˈdɛstɪn/

verb

Intend for a specific end

Example: She is destined for greatness.

destined

/ˈdɛstɪnd/

adjective

Heading towards a future

Example: They are destined to meet.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Long 'nay' sound in 'destination' vs short 'ni' in 'destiny'.

'tion' ending 'shun' vs 'ni' ending in 'destiny'.

'tion' ending 'shun' vs simple 'd' sound in 'destined'.

Pro Tips

Practice makes perfect

Record yourself and listen to the pronunciation for improvement.

Focus on syllable stress

Pay attention to where the stressed syllable is for a clearer pronunciation.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Destination

abroad

/əˈbrɔd/

accelerate

/əkˈsɛləˌreɪt/

accident

/ˈæksɪdənt/

accommodate

/əˈkɑːməˌdeɪt/

accompany

/əˈkʌmpəni/

accomplish

/əˈkɑːm.plɪʃ/

afford

/əˈfɔrd/

airline

/ˈɛrˌlaɪn/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

adjoin