How to pronounce gotta
Say it like GAH-tuh. Gotta has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GAH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce gotta. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- GAH
- tuh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Gotta pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- GAHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of gotta
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: GOT-uh.
What does gotta mean?
- Synonym of have got to, have to“I gotta learn this for my exam.”
Where does gotta come from?
Contraction of got + to.
Words that rhyme with gotta
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of gotta.
Questions about saying gotta
How do you pronounce gotta?
Say GAH-tuh. The American pronunciation is /ˈɡɑtə/. In British English it is /ˈɡɒtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in gotta?
Gotta has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (GAH). Broken into parts: GAH · tuh.
Is gotta 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 /ˈɡɒtə/ (GOT-uh).