The spelling of the word "gillians" may seem confusing, but it can be easily explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced /ˈɡɪljənz/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "g" is pronounced as a hard "g," similar to the sound in "goat." The "i" is pronounced as a short "i," like the sound in "ill." The double "l" is pronounced with a short, crisp "l" sound. The "ians" ending is pronounced as "yuns," with the stress on the first syllable.