Steinway

Steinway is pronounced /ˈstaɪnˌweɪ/ in US, UK, and Australian accents. It has two syllables: STEIN- (with the long I as in 'time') and WAY (as in 'weigh'). The primary stress is on the first syllable: STEIN. Tip: keep the transition between the vowels tight and avoid inserting extra vowels. Listen for a crisp, light lilt on the second syllable.

Common errors include turning STEIN into a diphthong too short or truncating the second syllable, pronouncing it as ‘steen-way’ with a drawn-out first vowel, or misplacing stress as on the second syllable. Correct by enforcing a strong initial /aɪ/ diphthong in STEIN and keeping /weɪ/ short and crisp. Ensure you don’t add an extra syllable or consonant after the Y.

Across US, UK, and AU, the word remains /ˈstaɪnˌweɪ/. Minor differences occur in vowel rounding and duration: US tends toward a slightly tighter /aɪ/; UK can have a marginally longer /aɪ/ and crisper /eɪ/ for the /weɪ/; AU often shows a mild, relaxed vowel quality but preserves the rhotic-ness of /ˈstaɪnˌweɪ/. The overall rhythm and stress stay the same: STEIN-WAY.

It challenges speakers with the two distinct vowel sounds in quick succession: the long /aɪ/ in STEIN and the /eɪ/ in WAY, plus the abrupt two-syllable split. The word’s brand-specific stress on the first syllable and the need for a clean /w/ onset before /eɪ/ can cause slurring or blending. Practice slow work with clear mouth positions, then speed up while keeping the two vowels distinct.

A unique element is that the /ˈstaɪn/ portion ends with a hard, precise nasal-alveolar transition before the /w/ onset of WAY. Avoid letting the /n/ drift into the /w/ and ensure the /w/ is a light, rounded glide. The result should be a clean separation between STEIN and WAY with a crisp /weɪ/.