How to pronounce godfather
Say it like GOD-fah-ther. Godfather has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GOD).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce godfather. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GOD
- fah
- ther
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Godfather pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GODSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- fahGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- therKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of godfather
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: GOD-fah-thuh.
What does godfather mean?
- A man present at the christening of a baby who promises to help raise the child in a Christian manner; a male godparent who sponsors the baptism of a child.
- Someone who plays a key role in fostering the development of something.
- A mafia leader.
- To act as godfather or guardian to.
Where does godfather come from?
From Middle English godfader, from Old English godfæder (“godfather”), equivalent to god- + father.
Questions about saying godfather
How do you pronounce godfather?
Say GOD-fah-ther. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡɑdˌfɑðɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɡɒdfɑːðə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in godfather?
Godfather has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GOD). Broken into parts: GOD · fah · ther.
Is godfather 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 /ˈɡɒdfɑːðə/ (GOD-fah-thuh).