How to pronounce operator
Say it like AH-puh-ray-ter. Operator has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AH).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈɑpəˌreɪtɚ/AH-puh-ray-ter
UK British/ˈɒpəˌreɪtə/OP-uh-ray-tuh
- AH
- puh
- ray
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Operator pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of operator
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: OP-uh-ray-tuh.
What does operator mean?
noun
- A person or organisation that operates a device, system, service, etc.“The drone crashed because of operator error.”
- A telecommunications facilitator whose job is to connect or otherwise assist callers.“To get an international line, you used to have to go through the operator.”
- A member of a military special operations unit.
Where does operator come from?
Borrowed from Latin operātor, from operor (“work, labour”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- manipulator
- hustler
- wheeler dealer
Questions about saying operator
How do you pronounce operator?
Say AH-puh-ray-ter. The American pronunciation is /ˈɑpəˌreɪtɚ/. In British English it is /ˈɒpəˌreɪtə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in operator?
Operator has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AH). Broken into parts: AH · puh · ray · ter.
Is operator 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 /ˈɒpəˌreɪtə/ (OP-uh-ray-tuh).