How Do You Say...

[mattoboy]

I say bay-tah

[Hallyx]

Language is, and always has been, a consensus thing. There are innumerable examples of words pronounced wrong and used incorrectly according to dictionary and grammar reference sources. (I could make this a long, boring post by listing examples).

I suggest that Betta should be pronounced in a manner that will make your conversation most understandable to the people to whom you're speaking.

By the way: the word Betta should always be capitalized (it is the first half of the Latin name---IE: Betta splendens). It is both singular and plural (like sheep or deer).

[Perry the platypus]

Oh...OK. So it's Betta?

[Hallyx]

Unless you're talking to someone who has never heard it pronounced that way. They might get confused....or look at you funny. ;-}

[Perry the platypus]

So I can pronounce it either way. Bay-tah or Be-tah.

[eatmice2010]

i think it because when you say the name fast it starts to sler to an a

[Perry the platypus]

Maybe. My friends say it bay-tah.

[eatmice2010]

i usaully do to so people dont look at me retarted

[madmonahan]

I and many people say Bay-Tah but some say it the other way. I spell it Betta, others spell it beta.

[Sivan]

Whether or not there is an acceptable pronunciation, there is a proper one. For example, I live in an area now where people pronounce the word "milk" as "MEH-LK" and the word "elementary" as "EH-LEH-MEHN-TARY" rather than the proper pronunciations. While there are regional differences and various dialects, there are proper ways to say and spell words.

For Betta fish, it is always spelled Betta. A capitcal B is correct because of the latin name, Betta splendens, which can also be shortened to B. splendens. As I stated before, "beta" is the Greek letter, which is always pronounced "BAY-TAH" due to its origin. The fish has a different spelling for a reason and is properly pronounced "BEH-TAH," though it does not make a huge difference.

Fun fact: "Plakat" is actually pronounced "PLUH-KOT" officially, though many people say it phonically as "PLAH-KAT" or "PLAH-KIT" as it appears to be pronounced. While it is not completely important, the official way to say it is "PLUH-KOT."