How to pronounce careful
Say it like KAIR-ful. Careful has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce careful. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAIR
- ful
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Careful pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- fulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of careful
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAIR-ful.
What does careful mean?
- exercising caution or showing care or attention“they were careful when crossing the busy street”“be careful to keep her shoes clean”
- cautiously attentive“careful of her feelings”“heedful of his father's advice”
- unhurried and with care and dignity“walking at the same measured pace”“with all deliberate speed”
Where does careful come from?
From Middle English careful, from Old English carful; equivalent to care + -ful.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with careful
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of careful.
Questions about saying careful
How do you pronounce careful?
Say KAIR-ful. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɛrfəl/. In British English it is /ˈkɛəfəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in careful?
Careful has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAIR). Broken into parts: KAIR · ful.
Is careful pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkɛəfəl/ (KAIR-ful).