How to pronounce captain
Say it like KAP-tun. Captain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAP).
- KAP
- tun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Captain pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- tunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of captain
American and British speakers say captain in essentially the same way: /ˈkæptən/ in the US and /ˈkæptɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: KAP-tin.
What does captain mean?
- A chief or leader.
- The person lawfully in command of a ship or other vessel.“The captain is the last man to leave a sinking ship.”
- An army officer with a rank between the most senior grade of lieutenant and major.
- To act as captain
- To exercise command of a ship, aircraft or sports team.
Where does captain come from?
Doublet of chieftain, also from Old French.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- skipper
- master
- pilot
- supervisor
- foreman
- police captain
- police chief
- sea captain
Questions about saying captain
How do you pronounce captain?
Say KAP-tun. The American pronunciation is /ˈkæptən/. In British English it is /ˈkæptɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in captain?
Captain has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAP). Broken into parts: KAP · tun.
Do Americans and Brits say captain the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkæptən/ and the British form is /ˈkæptɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.