How to pronounce kowtow
Say it like KOW-tow. Kowtow has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOW).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce kowtow. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOW
- tow
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kowtow pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- towGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
American vs British pronunciation of kowtow
American and British speakers say kowtow in essentially the same way: /ˈkaʊˌtaʊ/ in the US and /ˈkaʊˌtaʊ/ in the UK.
British respelling: KOW-tow.
Other ways to say kowtow
Kowtow also has this pronunciation, usually with a different meaning or use:
- KOH-TOH /ˈkoʊˈtoʊ/
What does kowtow mean?
- The act of kowtowing.
- To grovel, act in a very submissive manner; to show obeisance to (someone or something) in such a manner; to bow.
- To bow very deeply.
Questions about saying kowtow
How do you pronounce kowtow?
Say KOW-tow. The American pronunciation is /ˈkaʊˌtaʊ/. In British English it is /ˈkaʊˌtaʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in kowtow?
Kowtow has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOW). Broken into parts: KOW · tow.
Do Americans and Brits say kowtow the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkaʊˌtaʊ/ and the British form is /ˈkaʊˌtaʊ/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.