How to pronounce obstacle
Say it like AHB-stuh-kul. Obstacle has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHB).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈɑbstəkəl/AHB-stuh-kul
UK British/ˈɒbstəkəl/OB-stuh-kul
- AHB
- stuh
- kul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Obstacle pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AHBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- stuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- kulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of obstacle
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: OB-stuh-kul.
What does obstacle mean?
noun
- Something that impedes, stands in the way of, or holds up progress, either physically or figuratively“A big obstacle to understanding the manual was that it had been poorly translated from the Japanese.”
Where does obstacle come from?
From Middle English obstacle, from Old French obstacle, from Latin obstāculum.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying obstacle
How do you pronounce obstacle?
Say AHB-stuh-kul. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑbstəkəl/. In British English it is /ˈɒbstəkəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in obstacle?
Obstacle has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AHB). Broken into parts: AHB · stuh · kul.
Is obstacle pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈɒbstəkəl/ (OB-stuh-kul).