How to pronounce heartbreak
Say it like HART-brayk. Heartbreak has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HART).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce heartbreak. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HART
- brayk
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Heartbreak pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HARTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- braykGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of heartbreak
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: HAHT-brayk.
What does heartbreak mean?
- Overwhelming mental anguish or grief, especially that caused by loss or disappointment.
Where does heartbreak come from?
From heart + break. Compare heartache § Etymology.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying heartbreak
How do you pronounce heartbreak?
Say HART-brayk. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɑrtˌbreɪk/. In British English it is /ˈhɑːtbreɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in heartbreak?
Heartbreak has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HART). Broken into parts: HART · brayk.
Is heartbreak 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 /ˈhɑːtbreɪk/ (HAHT-brayk).