How to pronounce backstairs
Say it like BAK-stairz. Backstairs has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈbækˌstɛrz/BAK-stairz
UK British/ˈbækˌstɛəz/BAK-stairz
- BAK
- stairz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Backstairs 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.
- stairzGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of backstairs
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: BAK-stairz.
What does backstairs mean?
noun
- A staircase at the rear of a building or one normally only used by servants and tradesmen.
- Secret or furtive.
- Scandalous.
Where does backstairs come from?
From back + stairs.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- backstair
- furtive
Questions about saying backstairs
How do you pronounce backstairs?
Say BAK-stairz. The American pronunciation is /ˈbækˌstɛrz/. In British English it is /ˈbækˌstɛəz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in backstairs?
Backstairs has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAK). Broken into parts: BAK · stairz.
Is backstairs pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈbækˌstɛəz/ (BAK-stairz).