How to pronounce caution
Say it like KAH-shun. Caution has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce caution. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAH
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Caution pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of caution
American and British speakers say caution in essentially the same way: /ˈkɑʃən/ in the US and /ˈkɔːʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: KAW-shun.
Other ways to say caution
Caution also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- KAW-shun /ˈkɔʃən/
What does caution mean?
- the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger“a man of caution”
- a warning against certain acts“a caveat against unfair practices”
- judiciousness in avoiding harm or danger“he exercised caution in opening the door”“he handled the vase with care”
- warn strongly; put on guard
Where does caution come from?
Recorded since 1297 as Middle English caucioun (“bail, guarantee, pledge”), from Old French caution (“security, surety”), itself from Latin cautiō, from cautus, past participle of caveō, cavēre (“be on one's guard”).
Questions about saying caution
How do you pronounce caution?
Say KAH-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑʃən/. In British English it is /ˈkɔːʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in caution?
Caution has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAH). Broken into parts: KAH · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say caution the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkɑʃən/ and the British form is /ˈkɔːʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.