How to pronounce software
Say it like SAWF-twair. Software has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAWF).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈsɔfˌtwɛr/SAWF-twair
UK British/ˈsɒfˌwɛə/SOF-wair
- SAWF
- twair
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Software pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SAWFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- twairGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of software
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: SOF-wair.
What does software mean?
noun
- (computer science) written programs or procedures or rules and associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system and that are stored in read/write memory“the market for software is expected to expand”
Where does software come from?
Computing sense from soft + -ware, by contrast with hardware (“the computer itself”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying software
How do you pronounce software?
Say SAWF-twair. The American pronunciation is /ˈsɔfˌtwɛr/. In British English it is /ˈsɒfˌwɛə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in software?
Software has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SAWF). Broken into parts: SAWF · twair.
Is software 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 /ˈsɒfˌwɛə/ (SOF-wair).