How to pronounce courtesy
Say it like KUR-tuh-see. Courtesy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce courtesy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KUR
- tuh
- see
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Courtesy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- seeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of courtesy
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: KUR-tih-see.
What does courtesy mean?
- a courteous or respectful or considerate act
- a courteous or respectful or considerate remark
- a courteous manner
Where does courtesy come from?
From Middle English curteisie, curtesie, from Anglo-Norman curtesie, from Old French curteisie, cortoisie.
Questions about saying courtesy
How do you pronounce courtesy?
Say KUR-tuh-see. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɝtəsi/. In British English it is /ˈkɜːtɪsi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in courtesy?
Courtesy has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KUR). Broken into parts: KUR · tuh · see.
Is courtesy 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 /ˈkɜːtɪsi/ (KUR-tih-see).