How to pronounce undertaking
Say it like UHN-der-tay-king. Undertaking has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce undertaking. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- UHN
- der
- tay
- king
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Undertaking pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- UHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- derKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
- tayGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- kingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of undertaking
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: UHN-duh-tay-king.
What does undertaking mean?
- any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted“he prepared for great undertakings”
- the trade of a funeral director
Where does undertaking come from?
By surface analysis, undertake + -ing.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying undertaking
How do you pronounce undertaking?
Say UHN-der-tay-king. The American pronunciation is /ˈʌndɚˌteɪkɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈʌndəˌteɪkɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in undertaking?
Undertaking has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (UHN). Broken into parts: UHN · der · tay · king.
Is undertaking 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 /ˈʌndəˌteɪkɪŋ/ (UHN-duh-tay-king).