How to pronounce pecan
Say it like PEE-kahn. Pecan has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEE).
- PEE
- kahn
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Americans split between 'pih-KAHN' and 'PEE-kan'. Both are correct.
Pecan pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- kahnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of pecan
American and British speakers say pecan in essentially the same way: /ˈpiˌkɑn/ in the US and /ˈpiːkən/ in the UK.
British respelling: PEE-kun.
Other ways to say pecan
Pecan also has these pronunciations, usually with a different meaning or use:
- puh-KAHN /pəˈkɑn/
- pih-KAN /pɪˈkæn/
What does pecan mean?
- A deciduous tree, Carya illinoinensis, of the central and southern United States, having deeply furrowed bark, pinnately compound leaves, and edible nuts.
- A smooth, thin-shelled, edible oval nut of this tree.
- A half of the edible portion of the inside of this nut.
Where does pecan come from?
Borrowed from French pacane and at first spelt paccan.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- pecan tree
- carya illinoensis
- carya illinoinsis
Questions about saying pecan
How do you pronounce pecan?
Say PEE-kahn. The American pronunciation is /ˈpiˌkɑn/. In British English it is /ˈpiːkən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pecan?
Pecan has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PEE). Broken into parts: PEE · kahn.
Do Americans and Brits say pecan the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈpiˌkɑn/ and the British form is /ˈpiːkən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.