How to pronounce paperwork
Say it like PAY-per-wurk. Paperwork has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce paperwork. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PAY
- per
- wurk
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Paperwork pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- perKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- wurkGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
American vs British pronunciation of paperwork
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PAY-puh-wurk.
What does paperwork mean?
- work that involves handling papers: forms or letters or reports etc.
Where does paperwork come from?
From paper + work.
Questions about saying paperwork
How do you pronounce paperwork?
Say PAY-per-wurk. The American pronunciation is /ˈpeɪpɚˌwɝk/. In British English it is /ˈpeɪpəˌwɜːk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in paperwork?
Paperwork has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAY). Broken into parts: PAY · per · wurk.
Is paperwork 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 /ˈpeɪpəˌwɜːk/ (PAY-puh-wurk).