How to pronounce firsthand
Say it like FURST-hand. Firsthand has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FURST).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈfɝsthænd/FURST-hand
UK British/ˈfɜːstˌhænd/FURST-hand
- FURST
- hand
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Firsthand pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- FURSTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- handKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of firsthand
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: FURST-hand.
Other ways to say firsthand
Firsthand also has these pronunciations, usually with a different meaning or use:
- ferst-HAND /fɚstˈhænd/
- fers-HAND /fɚsˈhænd/
What does firsthand mean?
adjective
- Direct, without intermediate stages.“firsthand knowledge”
- Not previously owned or used; contrasted with secondhand.“a firsthand copy”
- Directly or from personal experience.
Where does firsthand come from?
From first + hand.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- primary
- at first hand
Questions about saying firsthand
How do you pronounce firsthand?
Say FURST-hand. The American pronunciation is /ˈfɝsthænd/. In British English it is /ˈfɜːstˌhænd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in firsthand?
Firsthand has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (FURST). Broken into parts: FURST · hand.
Is firsthand 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 /ˈfɜːstˌhænd/ (FURST-hand).