selfish

Syllables:
sel·fish
2 syllables
selfish in syllables

About "selfish"

Syllables
2
Letters
7
Language
EN

How to Split "selfish" into Syllables

The word selfish is divided into 2 syllables: sel·fish. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • sel — 1st syllable
  • fish — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of selfish:

  • IPA: /ˈsɛlf.ɪʃ/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. selfish (comparative more selfish or (proscribed) selfisher, superlative most selfish or (proscribed) selfishest)
  2. Having excessive or exclusive regard and concern for one's own well-being, profit or pleasure, with little or no consideration for others.

📚 Word Origin & History

From self +‎ -ish. Compare Danish selvisk (“selfish”), Swedish självisk (“selfish”).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down selfish into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare selfish with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
selfish 2 sel·fish
schoolbook 2 school-book
Slavic 2 sla-vic
schoolbag 2 school-bag
shellfish 1 shellfish

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to selfish:

self, sell, Selim, Selma, seldom, select, Selena, Seljuk.

Frequently Asked Questions About "selfish"

How many syllables does "selfish" have?

selfish has 2 syllables: sel·fish. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "selfish"?

The stress is on the first syllable: sel. This means you emphasize the "sel" part when pronouncing selfish.

How do you pronounce "selfish"?

selfish is pronounced as /ˈsɛlf.ɪʃ/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: sel·fish.

Is "selfish" easy to spell?

Breaking selfish into syllables helps with spelling: sel·fish. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "selfish" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.