How to pronounce breathtaking
Say it like BRETH-tay-king. Breathtaking has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BRETH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce breathtaking. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BRETH
- tay
- king
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Breathtaking pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BRETHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- kingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of breathtaking
American and British speakers say breathtaking in essentially the same way: /ˈbrɛθˌteɪkɪŋ/ in the US and /ˈbrɛθˌteɪkɪŋ/ in the UK.
British respelling: BRETH-tay-king.
What does breathtaking mean?
- tending to cause suspension of regular breathing“a breathless flight”“breathtaking adventure”
Where does breathtaking come from?
From breath + taking.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying breathtaking
How do you pronounce breathtaking?
Say BRETH-tay-king. The American pronunciation is /ˈbrɛθˌteɪkɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈbrɛθˌteɪkɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in breathtaking?
Breathtaking has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BRETH). Broken into parts: BRETH · tay · king.
Do Americans and Brits say breathtaking the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbrɛθˌteɪkɪŋ/ and the British form is /ˈbrɛθˌteɪkɪŋ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.