How to pronounce subcontractor
Say it like sub-KAHN-trak-ter. Subcontractor has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KAHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce subcontractor. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- sub
- KAHN
- trak
- ter
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Subcontractor pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- subKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- KAHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- trakGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- terKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of subcontractor
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: sub-KON-trak-tuh.
What does subcontractor mean?
- A contractor hired by another contractor (often a general contractor) and thus employed by that contractor rather than directly hired by the customer.
Where does subcontractor come from?
From sub- + contractor.
Questions about saying subcontractor
How do you pronounce subcontractor?
Say sub-KAHN-trak-ter. The American pronunciation is /səbˈkɑnˌtræktɚ/. In British English it is /səbˈkɒnˌtræktə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in subcontractor?
Subcontractor has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (KAHN). Broken into parts: sub · KAHN · trak · ter.
Is subcontractor 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 /səbˈkɒnˌtræktə/ (sub-KON-trak-tuh).