How to pronounce calf
Say it like KAF. Calf is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce calf. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/kæf/KAF
UK British/kɑːf/KAHF
- KAF
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Calf pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of calf
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: KAHF.
What does calf mean?
noun
- young of domestic cattle
- the muscular back part of the shank
- fine leather from the skin of a calf
Words that rhyme with calf
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of calf.
Questions about saying calf
How do you pronounce calf?
Say KAF. The American pronunciation is /kæf/. In British English it is /kɑːf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in calf?
Calf is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: KAF.
Is calf pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat. The British form is /kɑːf/ (KAHF).