How to pronounce decades
Say it like DEK-aydz. Decades has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEK).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce decades. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- DEK
- aydz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Decades pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- DEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- aydzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of decades
American and British speakers say decades in essentially the same way: /ˈdɛkeɪdz/ in the US and /ˈdɛkeɪdz/ in the UK.
British respelling: DEK-aydz.
Other ways to say decades
Decades also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- deh-KAYDZ /dɛˈkeɪdz/
What does decades mean?
- plural of decade. How to pronounce decade
Questions about saying decades
How do you pronounce decades?
Say DEK-aydz. The American pronunciation is /ˈdɛkeɪdz/. In British English it is /ˈdɛkeɪdz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in decades?
Decades has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (DEK). Broken into parts: DEK · aydz.
Do Americans and Brits say decades the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈdɛkeɪdz/ and the British form is /ˈdɛkeɪdz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.