How to pronounce subspecies
Say it like SUHB-spee-sheez. Subspecies has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHB).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce subspecies. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SUHB
- spee
- sheez
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Subspecies pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SUHBSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- speeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- sheezKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of subspecies
American and British speakers say subspecies in essentially the same way: /ˈsʌbspiʃiz/ in the US and /ˈsʌbspiːʃiːz/ in the UK.
British respelling: SUHB-spee-sheez.
What does subspecies mean?
- A rank in the classification of organisms, below species.
- A taxon at that rank, often indicated with trinomial nomenclature (such as Felis silvestris silvestris in zoology and Pinus nigra subsp. salzmannii in botany).
- A subdivision of a species in other scientific disciplines.
Where does subspecies come from?
From sub- + species.
Questions about saying subspecies
How do you pronounce subspecies?
Say SUHB-spee-sheez. The American pronunciation is /ˈsʌbspiʃiz/. In British English it is /ˈsʌbspiːʃiːz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in subspecies?
Subspecies has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SUHB). Broken into parts: SUHB · spee · sheez.
Do Americans and Brits say subspecies the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈsʌbspiʃiz/ and the British form is /ˈsʌbspiːʃiːz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.