2 syllables: Host, el. Stress on Host.
HAH-stuhl
/ˈhɑstəl/
Hostel is pronounced HAH-stuhl (/ˈhɑstəl/). It has two syllables (Host-el), with the stress on "Host". Hostel is a budget-oriented lodging option that offers shared facilities and sleeping areas for travelers. It typically features dormitory-style rooms, communal spaces, and a lower price point compared to hotels, appealing to backpackers and short-term visitors. The word implies a temporary, affordable place to stay, often with a social, communal atmosphere.
nounHostel is a budget-oriented lodging option that offers shared facilities and sleeping areas for travelers. It typically features dormitory-style rooms, communal spaces, and a lower price point compared to hotels, appealing to backpackers and short-term visitors. The word implies a temporary, affordable place to stay, often with a social, communal atmosphere.
"We stayed in a bustling hostel near the river and met travelers from all over the world."
"The hostel provides shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen, and cheap breakfast."
"During college breaks, many students opt for hostels when visiting friends in different cities."
Hostel is pronounced with two syllables: HO-stəl. The primary stress falls on the first syllable. In IPA US: /ˈhɑː.stəl/; UK: /ˈhɒs.təl/; AU: /ˈhɒs.təl/. The first vowel is a broad open back unrounded vowel (American /ɑː/ or British/Aus /ɒ/), followed by an unstressed second syllable with a schwa-like ending /əl/. Mouth position: start with a low open back vowel, then close to a neutral schwa and a final light /l/ release. You can listen to native speakers saying 'hostel' in Pronounce or Forvo for auditory reference.
Common errors include: 1) Reducing the first vowel to a shorter or different vowel sound (e.g., /hɔstəl/ or /hoːstel/). 2) Muddling the second syllable by attaching extra syllables or a strong vowel (e.g., ho-stel-lee). 3) Not preserving the final /l/ quality. Correction: keep the first syllable with a clean /ˈhɑː/ (US) or /ˈɒs/ (UK/AU), then use a short, unstressed /əl/ ending with a light lateral /l/. Practice with minimal pairs like hostel vs. hot-sell to calibrate the vowel distinction.
US English tends to use /ˈhɑː.stəl/ with a broad /ɑː/ in the first syllable; the /t/ is a crisp alveolar stop. UK and Australian varieties often use /ˈhɒs.təl/, with a shorter /ɒ/ and a more pronounced non-rhoticity in some speakers, though rhotic speakers exist. The final /əl/ remains similar, but vowel quality and the preceding consonant timing can shift slightly. Americans may have a slightly longer first vowel due to vowel length differences, while UK/AU often have a more clipped, shorter first vowel and a lighter /l/ at the end.
Difficulty arises from the short, unstressed second syllable and the lightly articulated final /l/. Non-native speakers may merge the /st/ cluster with a simpler /s/ or mispronounce the schwa, producing /ˈhɑːstəl/ or /ˈhɒstəl/ with uncertain rhyme. The contrast between /ɑː/ (US) and /ɒ/ (UK/AU) also challenges learners who are balancing vowel hardness and length. Focusing on the two-syllable rhythm and ending with a crisp /l/ helps anchor correct pronunciation.
Unique aspects include the stressed first syllable, the /st/ cluster followed by a soft /əl/ ending, and cross-dialect vowel qualities (/ˈhɑː.stəl/ vs. /ˈhɒs.təl/). SEO-focused pronunciation notes highlight the common pitfalls of not distinguishing /ɑː/ and /ɒ/ and the importance of the final /l/ pronunciation for accurate search matches. Emphasize the two-syllable rhythm and the quick, light /st/ sequence in fast speech.
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Hostel originates from the Old French word ostel, meaning a place to lodge or entertain guests, which itself derived from hostelerie, related to the Latin hospitālis meaning “of a guest or host.” The English adoption likely occurred in the late Middle Ages, when inns and hospices served traveling travelers. Over time, hostel shifted from a general lodging term to a specific type of budget, communal lodging common among backpackers and students. By the 20th century, hostels became standardized in many tourist destinations, particularly in Europe, emphasizing shared rooms, social environments, and affordable rates. The term has retained its core meaning of temporary accommodation for travelers, while modern hostels may offer both mixed dormitories and private rooms with shared facilities. First known use in English evidence appears in late 19th to early 20th century dictionaries, with references tying it to places of hospitality for strangers and travelers.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Hostel" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Hostel" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Hostel"
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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