How to pronounce heartache
Say it like HAR-tayk. Heartache has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce heartache. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HAR
- tayk
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Heartache pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- taykGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of heartache
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: HAH-tayk.
What does heartache mean?
- Emotional distress or pain, often caused by a loved one or their absence.
Where does heartache come from?
From Middle English heorteece, heorte-ece, from Old English heorteċe, equivalent to heart + ache.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying heartache
How do you pronounce heartache?
Say HAR-tayk. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɑrˌteɪk/. In British English it is /ˈhɑːteɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in heartache?
Heartache has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAR). Broken into parts: HAR · tayk.
Is heartache 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 /ˈhɑːteɪk/ (HAH-tayk).