How to Pronounce “handkerchief”

American (US)

/ˈhæŋkərtʃɪf/

British (UK)

/ˈhæŋkətʃɪf/

noun — A small square of cloth carried for wiping the face or hands.

Example: He offered her a clean handkerchief.

Where the stress falls. “handkerchief” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈhæŋkərtʃɪf/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˈhæŋkərtʃɪf/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "handkerchief" mean?

handkerchief (noun): A small square of cloth carried for wiping the face or hands. For example — He offered her a clean handkerchief.

How do you pronounce "handkerchief" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˈhæŋkərtʃɪf/. British English: /ˈhæŋkətʃɪf/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "handkerchief"?

/ˈhæŋkərtʃɪf/ in American English, /ˈhæŋkətʃɪf/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "handkerchief"?

“handkerchief” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /ˈhæŋkərtʃɪf/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the first one — so the first syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

• Silent D words