How to pronounce backhand
Say it like BAK-hand. Backhand has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK).
- BAK
- hand
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Backhand pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- handGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of backhand
American and British speakers say backhand in essentially the same way: /ˈbækˌhænd/ in the US and /ˈbækhænd/ in the UK.
British respelling: BAK-hand.
What does backhand mean?
- A stroke made across the chest from the off-hand side to the racquet hand side; a stroke during which the back of the hand faces the shot.“She has a mean backhand.”
- Handwriting that leans to the left.“It was written in a shaky backhand.”
- The standard throw; a throw during which the disc begins on the off-hand side and travels across the chest to be released from the opposite side.
- To execute a backhand stroke or throw.
- To slap with the back of one's hand.“During the boxing match, I accidentally backhanded my opponent.”
- Slanting to the left.
- In the backhand style.
- Using the back side of the hockey stick.“He scored on a backhand shot.”
Where does backhand come from?
From back + hand.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- backhand stroke
- backhand shot
- backhanded
- left-slanting
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying backhand
How do you pronounce backhand?
Say BAK-hand. The American pronunciation is /ˈbækˌhænd/. In British English it is /ˈbækhænd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in backhand?
Backhand has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK). Broken into parts: BAK · hand.
Do Americans and Brits say backhand the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbækˌhænd/ and the British form is /ˈbækhænd/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.