2 syllables: Sa, tan. Stress on Sa.
SAY-tuhn
/ˈseɪtən/
Satan is pronounced SAY-tuhn (/ˈseɪtən/). It has two syllables (Sa-tan), with the stress on "Sa". Satan is a noun referring to the devil or a supremely evil being in monotheistic traditions, often depicted as the embodiment of evil and rebellion. In secular use it can denote any adversary or source of great temptation. The term carries strong religious connotations and can be used metaphorically in literature and discourse.
nounSatan is a noun referring to the devil or a supremely evil being in monotheistic traditions, often depicted as the embodiment of evil and rebellion. In secular use it can denote any adversary or source of great temptation. The term carries strong religious connotations and can be used metaphorically in literature and discourse.
"The preacher warned of the temptations that Satan could lay before the unsuspecting believer."
"Some characters in the novel struggle against their own inner Satan, a personification of moral failing."
"In the sermon, Satan was portrayed as the ultimate deceiver who corrupts the righteous."
Pronounce as SEY-tən with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA US/UK/AU: /ˈseɪ.tən/. Start with a clear /s/ hiss, then a long /eɪ/ as in 'say,' followed by a light schwa or reduced /ə/ in the second syllable, and finish with /n/. Think: 'SEY' + 'tən'.
Common errors include confusing it with 'satin' by softening or misplacing the stress on the second syllable, and pronouncing the second vowel as a full /æ/ or /eɪ/. Correct by enforcing two syllables, with /ˈseɪ/ in the first and /tən/ in the second; keep the /ə/ as a neutral vowel and terminate with a clear /n/.
In US/UK/AU, the initial /s/ and the /eɪ/ vowel are consistent, but rhotic accents may influence the following vowel quality slightly. The second syllable remains /tən/ in all three, but some regional speakers may reduce to /tən/ or articulate a lighter /ə/ depending on tempo and formality.
Because of the stress on the first syllable, the trailing /ən/ reduces quickly in connected speech, and the word often sits in religious or literary contexts where precision matters. The blend /seɪ/ vs. heard as /sæ/ (as in 'sat') can be easily mispronounced; keep the long /eɪ/ and a crisp /t/ plus a clear, light /ən/.
There are no silent letters in Satan; each letter contributes to the two-syllable structure. The challenge lies in proper vowel quality (long /eɪ/), the dental/alveolar /t/, and the subtle schwa in the second syllable. Maintaining the separation of the syllables helps avoid blending into 'sat-in'.
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The word Satan comes from Late Latin Satanas, from Greek Satanas, from Hebrew ha-satan meaning "the accuser" or "the adversary." In Hebrew, ha-satan originally referred to a celestial prosecutor or accuser within the divine court, not necessarily a personified demon. In Jewish and Christian texts, the figure evolved into an antagonist who opposes God and tempts humans, especially in the story of Adam and Eve. The term entered English via Latin translations of the Bible, with early usages in the 14th century. Over time, Satan acquired a defined mythological identity, representing ultimate evil and rebellion against divine authority. In modern usage, it also appears in secular language as a metaphor for any pernicious force or a formidable foe. The word reflects centuries of religious, literary, and cultural reinterpretation, shifting from an indictment of sin to a broader symbol of temptation, opposition, and malevolence across various languages and traditions.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Satan" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Satan" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Satan"
-ten sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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