How to pronounce Canada
Say it like KAN-uh-duh. Canada has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAN).
- KAN
- uh
- duh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Canada pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KANSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Canada
American and British speakers say Canada in essentially the same way: /ˈkænədə/ in the US and /ˈkænədə/ in the UK.
British respelling: KAN-uh-duh.
What does Canada mean?
- A country in North America. Capital: Ottawa. Largest city: Toronto.
- Alternative form of cañada (“a ravine, a gully”).
Where does Canada come from?
Borrowed from French Canada, from the Laurentian kanata (“village, settlement”) (compare Onondaga gana꞉dá꞉yęʼ), ultimately from Proto-North Iroquoian *-nat-.
Questions about saying Canada
How do you pronounce Canada?
Say KAN-uh-duh. The American pronunciation is /ˈkænədə/. In British English it is /ˈkænədə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Canada?
Canada has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAN). Broken into parts: KAN · uh · duh.
Do Americans and Brits say Canada the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkænədə/ and the British form is /ˈkænədə/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.