How to pronounce secondhand
Say it like SEK-und-hand. Secondhand has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEK).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈsɛkəndˌhænd/SEK-und-hand
UK British/ˌsɛkəndˈhænd/sek-und-HAND
- SEK
- und
- hand
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Secondhand pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SEKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- undKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- handGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of secondhand
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3.
British respelling: sek-und-HAND.
What does secondhand mean?
adjective
- Not new; previously owned and used by another.
- Dealing in such merchandise.
- Indirect; from a secondary source; not firsthand.
- Secondhand goods (especially clothes) collectively.
- In a used or previously-owned condition.
- Indirectly.
Where does secondhand come from?
From second + hand.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- used
- preloved
Questions about saying secondhand
How do you pronounce secondhand?
Say SEK-und-hand. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɛkəndˌhænd/. In British English it is /ˌsɛkəndˈhænd/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in secondhand?
Secondhand has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SEK). Broken into parts: SEK · und · hand.
Is secondhand pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3. The British form is /ˌsɛkəndˈhænd/ (sek-und-HAND).