How to Pronounce Handkerchief

To pronounce "handkerchief", say HANDK-erch-ief — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈhæŋkɝtʃif/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

handkerchief

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Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

12

Letters

/ˈhæŋkɝtʃif/

🇺🇸 IPA (US)

/hˈændkətʃˌiːf/

🇬🇧 IPA (UK)

💡 Tip for remembering “handkerchief”

Break "handkerchief" into 3 beats and lean on "HANDK" — that's the stressed one.

What does handkerchief mean?

noun

  1. A piece of cloth, usually square and often fine and elegant, carried for wiping the face, eyes, nose or hands.
  2. A piece of cloth shaped like a handkerchief to be worn about the neck; a neckerchief or neckcloth.

Keep practicing

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Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "handkerchief"?▾

To pronounce "handkerchief", say HANDK-erch-ief — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈhæŋkɝtʃif/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

How many syllables are in "handkerchief"?▾

"Handkerchief" has 3 syllables: handk · erch · ief.

What is the IPA transcription of "handkerchief"?▾

The IPA transcription of "handkerchief" is /ˈhæŋkɝtʃif/.

What does "handkerchief" mean?▾

Handkerchief: A piece of cloth, usually square and often fine and elegant, carried for wiping the face, eyes, nose or hands.

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