How to pronounce handkerchiefs
Say it like HANG-ker-chufs. Handkerchiefs has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HANG).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce handkerchiefs. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HANG
- ker
- chufs
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Handkerchiefs pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HANGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- kerKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- chufsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of handkerchiefs
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: HANG-kuh-chufs.
What does handkerchiefs mean?
- plural of handkerchief How to pronounce handkerchief
Questions about saying handkerchiefs
How do you pronounce handkerchiefs?
Say HANG-ker-chufs. The American pronunciation is /ˈhæŋkɚtʃəfs/. In British English it is /ˈhæŋkətʃəfs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in handkerchiefs?
Handkerchiefs has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HANG). Broken into parts: HANG · ker · chufs.
Is handkerchiefs 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 /ˈhæŋkətʃəfs/ (HANG-kuh-chufs).