How to pronounce portable
Say it like POR-tuh-bul. Portable has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce portable. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- POR
- tuh
- bul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Portable pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- tuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- bulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of portable
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PAW-tuh-bul.
What does portable mean?
- easily or conveniently transported“a portable television set”
- of a motor designed to be attached to the outside of a boat's hull“a portable outboard motor”
- a small light typewriter; usually with a case in which it can be carried
Where does portable come from?
From Middle English portable, from Middle French portable and Latin portābilis.
Questions about saying portable
How do you pronounce portable?
Say POR-tuh-bul. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɔrtəbəl/. In British English it is /ˈpɔːtəbəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in portable?
Portable has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POR). Broken into parts: POR · tuh · bul.
Is portable 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 /ˈpɔːtəbəl/ (PAW-tuh-bul).