2 syllables: lo, la. Stress on lo.
LOH-luh
/ˈloʊlə/
lola is pronounced LOH-luh (/ˈloʊlə/). It has two syllables (lo-la), with the stress on "lo". Lola is a proper noun often used as a personal name. It can also appear in cultural references or as a given name in various languages. In phonetic terms, it is typically pronounced with two syllables, stress on the first, and a light, rapid second vowel, yielding a melodic, feminine cadence.
Lola is a proper noun often used as a personal name. It can also appear in cultural references or as a given name in various languages. In phonetic terms, it is typically pronounced with two syllables, stress on the first, and a light, rapid second vowel, yielding a melodic, feminine cadence.
- You may default to a flat /lo-la/ with a flat 'o' and a heavy second syllable; instead, ensure the first syllable carries strong, clear /oʊ/ and the second stays light and quick. - Error: pronouncing as /ˈlɒlə/ or /ˈlɔlə/ in US contexts; correction: use /ˈloʊ.lə/ and relax the jaw for the second syllable. - Reduced second syllable too much, leading to sounding like ‘low-uh’; correct by maintaining a short but audible /lə/ with crisp /oʊ/ onset. - Accents may pull the vowel toward /o/ or /ə/ inconsistently; fix by training with controlled lip rounding for /oʊ/ and a neutral schwa for /ə/.
"She named her daughter Lola after her grandmother."
"In the song, the chorus repeats 'Lola' with a catchy, upbeat rhythm."
"The actress introduced herself as Lola during the interview."
Pronounce as two syllables: LOH-lah, with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA: /ˈloʊ.lə/ in US and UK English; /ˈlɒ.lə/ in some UK regional varieties may appear but standard practice keeps /ˈloʊ.lə/. Start with a clear, rounded 'oʊ' vowel in the first syllable, then a light, unstressed 'lə' or 'lə' in the second. Mouth positions: lips rounded for /oʊ/ then relax for /lə/. Audio examples: you can compare with a name like 'Lola' in pronunciation dictionaries or pronunciation-focused videos.”,
Common mistakes include: misplacing stress (pronouncing it as LO-la with weak first syllable); using a clipped second syllable (/lɑ/ or /lə/ too short); and misarticulating the /oʊ/ as a lax /o/ or /ɒ/ sound in some dialects. Correction tips: emphasize the first syllable with a crisp /ˈloʊ/ and keep the second syllable as a short, unstressed /lə/. Practice with a held first vowel then a quick, light second syllable to mimic natural pacing.
In General American, /ˈloʊ.lə/ with rhoticity of /r/-less vowel cluster not affecting this word; in many British accents, /ˈləʊlə/ or /ˈləʊ.lə/ may occur with a slightly shorter second vowel depending on speaker; Australian English tends to maintain /ˈləʊ.lə/ with a broad diphthong in /oʊ/ realization and a clear, non-rotic /l/ followed by a schwa-like /ə/. The key differences are the quality of the first vowel and the timing of the second vowel’s stability.
The challenge lies in maintaining a two-syllable balance with a strong first syllable and a subdued, quick second syllable. The /oʊ/ diphthong requires precise lip rounding and jaw movement, and the unstressed second syllable /lə/ should be quick and light to avoid clouding the first syllable’s emphasis. Aligning stress with natural English rhythm and ensuring the final vowel remains a clean schwa-like sound can be tricky for non-native speakers.
Does Lola ever reduce to a single syllable in casual speech? In most standard pronunciations, Lola remains two syllables, especially in careful speech or formal contexts. In rapid or conversational speech, some speakers may casualize the /lə/ to a near-schwa and slightly blur the boundary between syllables, but the two-syllable structure remains recognizable. For clear identification in dialogue, keep the two distinct sounds: LOH and lah.
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- US: maintain rhoticity where applicable but Lola itself doesn’t require rhotics; focus on a bright /oʊ/ and a light /lə/. - UK: may see a slightly shorter /oʊ/ with a more centralized second syllable; keep clarity and two-syllable rhythm. - AU: tend to preserve the diphthong in /oʊ/ and reduce the second syllable less than in some US varieties, but still keep two syllables intact.
Lola is a diminutive form historically associated with names such as Dolores, particularly in Spanish-speaking contexts, where Dolores is a common female given name meaning 'sorrows' or 'pain' (from the Latin dolor). Lola emerged as an affectionate, standalone given name in several languages, often retained in Anglophone communities as a cross-cultural choice. Its use spread through literature, cinema, and music, gaining popularity in the 20th century as both a standalone name and a playful stage moniker. Early instances can be traced to Spanish-speaking communities where Lola originated as a pet form or nickname for Dolores, and over generations it became widely adopted across English-speaking regions. The phonetic simplicity—two syllables, open vowels—contributed to its cross-cultural adoption. First known printed uses in English appear in translations and through media references in the mid-20th century, with the name maintaining a light, approachable connotation. In modern usage, Lola is often chosen for its melodic, singable quality, independent of its Spanish roots, and remains a popular character name and given-name choice worldwide.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "lola" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "lola" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "lola" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "lola"
-ola sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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