How to pronounce tariff
Say it like TER-uf. Tariff has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TER).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce tariff. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- TER
- uf
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tariff pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- TERSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ufKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of tariff
American and British speakers say tariff in essentially the same way: /ˈtɛrəf/ in the US and /ˈtærɪf/ in the UK.
British respelling: TAR-if.
What does tariff mean?
- A system of government-imposed duties levied on imported or exported goods; a list of such duties, or the duties themselves.
- A schedule of rates, fees or prices.“Under a peak/off-peak electricity tariff, you pay a lower rate for the power when demand is less.”
- A sentence determined according to a scale of standard penalties for certain categories of crime.
- To levy a duty on (something).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with tariff
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of tariff.
Questions about saying tariff
How do you pronounce tariff?
Say TER-uf. The American pronunciation is /ˈtɛrəf/. In British English it is /ˈtærɪf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in tariff?
Tariff has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (TER). Broken into parts: TER · uf.
Do Americans and Brits say tariff the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈtɛrəf/ and the British form is /ˈtærɪf/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.