How to pronounce capable
Say it like KAY-puh-bul. Capable has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce capable. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAY
- puh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Capable pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of capable
American and British speakers say capable in essentially the same way: /ˈkeɪpəbəl/ in the US and /ˈkeɪpəbəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: KAY-puh-bul.
What does capable mean?
- (usually followed by of) having capacity or ability“capable of winning”“capable of hard work”
- possibly accepting or permitting“a passage capable of misinterpretation”“open to interpretation”
- (followed by of) having the temperament or inclination for“no one believed her capable of murder”
Where does capable come from?
Borrowed from Middle French capable, from Late Latin capābilis.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying capable
How do you pronounce capable?
Say KAY-puh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˈkeɪpəbəl/. In British English it is /ˈkeɪpəbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in capable?
Capable has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAY). Broken into parts: KAY · puh · bul.
Do Americans and Brits say capable the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkeɪpəbəl/ and the British form is /ˈkeɪpəbəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.