How to pronounce lazy
Say it like LAY-zee. Lazy has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce lazy. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LAY
- zee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Lazy pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- zeeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of lazy
American and British speakers say lazy in essentially the same way: /ˈleɪzi/ in the US and /ˈleɪzi/ in the UK.
British respelling: LAY-zee.
What does lazy mean?
- moving slowly and gently“up a lazy river”“lazy white clouds”
- disinclined to work or exertion“faineant kings under whose rule the country languished”“an indolent hanger-on”
Where does lazy come from?
An alternative etymology traces lazy to Early Modern English laysy, a derivative of lay (plural lays + -y) in the same way that tipsy is derived from tip.
Words that rhyme with lazy
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of lazy.
Questions about saying lazy
How do you pronounce lazy?
Say LAY-zee. The American pronunciation is /ˈleɪzi/. In British English it is /ˈleɪzi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in lazy?
Lazy has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LAY). Broken into parts: LAY · zee.
Do Americans and Brits say lazy the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈleɪzi/ and the British form is /ˈleɪzi/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.