How to Pronounce Handsome

To pronounce "handsome", say HANDS-om-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈhæn.səm/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

handsome

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

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3

Syllables

8

Letters

/ˈhæn.səm/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “handsome”

"handsome" has 3 syllables: hands-om-e. It rhymes with transom and bransom, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: hansom — easy to mix up when writing.

What does handsome mean?

verb

  1. To render handsome.

adjective

  1. (of people, things, etc) Having a good appearance; good-looking.

    “a handsome garment, house, tree, or horse”

  2. Good, appealing, appropriate.

Synonyms

heftysubstantialgood-lookingpretty

Hear “handsome” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with handsome

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

transombransom

Related words

good-lookingwell-favouredbeautifulfine-lookinggenerousbigheartedwell-favoredgiving

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "handsome"?▾

"Handsome" has 3 syllables: hands · om · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "handsome"?▾

The IPA transcription of "handsome" is /ˈhæn.səm/.

What does "handsome" mean?▾

Handsome: To render handsome.

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