How to pronounce understands
Say it like uhn-der-STANDZ. Understands has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STANDZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce understands. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uhn
- der
- STANDZ
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Understands pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- STANDZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of understands
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: uhn-duh-STANDZ.
What does understands mean?
- third-person singular simple present indicative of understand How to pronounce understand
Words that rhyme with understands
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of understands.
Questions about saying understands
How do you pronounce understands?
Say uhn-der-STANDZ. The American pronunciation is /ˌʌndɚˈstændz/. In British English it is /ˌʌndəˈstændz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in understands?
Understands has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (STANDZ). Broken into parts: uhn · der · STANDZ.
Is understands 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 /ˌʌndəˈstændz/ (uhn-duh-STANDZ).