Important is pronounced im-POR-tənt (IPA /ɪmˈpɔːrtənt/). Stress falls on 'POR' — push your voice up on the middle syllable.
IPA: /ɪmˈpɔːrtənt/
Syllables: im · POR · tənt
Common ESL mistake: Learners stress the first syllable as 'IM-port-ant'.
Tip: Stress falls on 'POR' — push your voice up on the middle syllable.