How to pronounce concerto
Say it like kun-CHAIR-toh. Concerto has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (CHAIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce concerto. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- kun
- CHAIR
- toh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Concerto pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- CHAIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of concerto
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: kun-CHAIR-toh.
What does concerto mean?
- A piece of music for one or more solo instruments and orchestra.
Where does concerto come from?
Borrowed from Italian concerto, deverbal from concertare.
Questions about saying concerto
How do you pronounce concerto?
Say kun-CHAIR-toh. The American pronunciation is /kənˈtʃɛrtoʊ/. In British English it is /kənˈtʃɛətəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in concerto?
Concerto has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (CHAIR). Broken into parts: kun · CHAIR · toh.
Is concerto 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 /kənˈtʃɛətəʊ/ (kun-CHAIR-toh).