How to pronounce cannot
Say it like kuh-NAHT. Cannot has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NAHT).
- kuh
- NAHT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Cannot pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- NAHTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of cannot
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KAN-ot.
Other ways to say cannot
Cannot also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- KAN-aht /ˈkænɑt/
What does cannot mean?
- Can not; be unable to (whether due to physical inability, logical impossibility, etc.).“I cannot open the window. It is stuck.”
- Be forbidden or not permitted to.“You cannot enter the hall without a ticket.”
- Something that cannot be done.“the cans and cannots”
- A person who cannot do (something).
Where does cannot come from?
From Middle English can not, cannot, cannouȝt, etc.
Words that rhyme with cannot
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of cannot.
Questions about saying cannot
How do you pronounce cannot?
Say kuh-NAHT. The American pronunciation is /kəˈnɑt/. In British English it is /ˈkænɒt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in cannot?
Cannot has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (NAHT). Broken into parts: kuh · NAHT.
Is cannot pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 2, while British speakers stress syllable 1. The British form is /ˈkænɒt/ (KAN-ot).