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How to Pronounce “Subway”

Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.

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American (US)
/ˈsʌbˌweɪ/
British (UK)
/ˈsʌbˌweɪ/

noun — An underground railway, especially for mass transit of people in urban areas.

Example: He is going to Westminster by subway.

Where the stress falls. “Subway” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsʌbˌweɪ/ 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.

What does "Subway" mean?

Subway (noun): An underground railway, especially for mass transit of people in urban areas. For example — He is going to Westminster by subway.

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

Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "Subway", /ˈsʌbˌweɪ/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.

What is the IPA transcription of "Subway"?

/ˈsʌbˌweɪ/ in American English, /ˈsʌbˌweɪ/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "Subway"?

“Subway” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˈsʌbˌweɪ/ 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.

Browse the full word index or use the pronunciation tool.