How to pronounce contrabass
Say it like KAHN-truh-bays. Contrabass has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce contrabass. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAHN
- truh
- bays
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Contrabass pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KAHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- truhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- baysGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of contrabass
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: KON-truh-bays.
What does contrabass mean?
- The part or section one octave lower than bass.
- Double bass; string bass.
- Any of the several contrabass instruments.
Where does contrabass come from?
From Italian contrabbasso, from contra (“against”) + basso (“low”).
Questions about saying contrabass
How do you pronounce contrabass?
Say KAHN-truh-bays. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɑntrəˌbeɪs/. In British English it is /ˈkɒntrəˌbeɪs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in contrabass?
Contrabass has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAHN). Broken into parts: KAHN · truh · bays.
Is contrabass pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈkɒntrəˌbeɪs/ (KON-truh-bays).