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How to Pronounce Pneumonia

nyoo-MOH-nyah

IPA: /njuːˈmoʊ.ni.ə/

nyoo MOH nyah

How do you pronounce Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is pronounced "nyoo-MOH-nyah". The initial "p" is silent. It has 3 syllables: nyoo - moh - nyah. The stress falls on the second syllable, "moh".

How many syllables are in Pneumonia?

Pneumonia has 3 syllables: nyoo - moh - nyah. The silent initial P is not counted.

What does Pneumonia mean?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue that causes the air sacs (alveoli) to fill with inflammatory fluid or pus. This impairs oxygen exchange and causes the hallmark symptoms of cough, fever, and shortness of breath.

Etymology & Word Parts

pneumon- lung Greek pneumon, lung

-ia condition, disease state Greek -ia

Clinical Usage

Pneumonia is diagnosed by clinical signs plus chest X-ray consolidation or infiltrate. The CURB-65 score guides outpatient vs. inpatient vs. ICU disposition. Treatment varies by pathogen: beta-lactam + macrolide for CAP, broad-spectrum antibiotics for HAP/VAP.

Common Mispronunciations

The "p" in pneumonia is silent. Never say "p-nyoo-monia" — correct: nyoo-MOH-nyah

Where You’ll Encounter This

Emergency medicine, hospitalist medicine, pulmonology, ICU, infectious disease, nursing floor management.