How to pronounce "janitor"

janitor

Noun
American
/ˈdʒænɪtər/

Syllable Breakdown

jan i tor

How natives say janitor

British
/ˈdʒænɪtə/

Syllable Breakdown

jan i tuh

How natives say janitor

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with a 'j' sound like in 'jungle.'

  • Move to 'æ', like the 'a' in 'cat'.

  • Then pronounce 'n' as in 'night'.

  • Add 'ɪ' like the 'i' in 'sit'.

  • Finish with 'tər', the 't' in 'top' and 'ər'.

Common Mistakes

  • jan-a-tor

  • jan-i-dor

  • jan-e-tor

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with a 'j' sound like in 'juggle.'

  • Move to 'æ', like the 'a' in 'cat'.

  • Then pronounce 'n' as in 'night'.

  • Add 'ɪ' like the 'i' in 'sit'.

  • Finish with 'tə', the 't' in 'top' and 'ə'.

common mistakes

  • same as American

  • same as American

  • same as American

FAQ

Is there a difference in stress between AmE and BrE?

No, both stress the first syllable 'jan'.

Why does my 'i' sound wrong?

Make sure it sounds like 'i' in 'sit', not 'i' in 'machine'.

Should 'tor' sound like 'door'?

No, it's more like 'tər' in AmE and 'tə' in BrE.

Definition

janitor

A person who cleans and maintains buildings.

Word Family

janitorial

/ˌdʒænɪˈtɔːrɪəl/

adjective

Related to cleaning and maintenance

Example: He does janitorial work.

custodian

/kəˈstoʊdiən/

noun

A person responsible for maintenance

Example: The custodian locked the doors.

cleaner

/ˈkliːnər/

noun

A person or device that cleans

Example: The cleaner is vacuuming the floor.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Janitor has emphasis on first syllable unlike janitorial.

Differences in initial sounds and stress pattern.

Cleaner has a 'cl' sound, not 'j'.

Pro Tips

Focus on Syllable Stress

Emphasize the first syllable 'jan' to avoid sounding unclear.

Practice the Ending

Ensure 'tor' doesn't sound like 'door' by keeping 'tər' soft.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Janitor

adjoin

/əˈdʒɔɪn/

apartment

/əˈpɑrt.mənt/

applicable

/ˈæplɪkəbl̩/

arise

/əˈraɪz/

avenue

/ˈæv.ə.nuː/

backstage

/bækˈsteɪdʒ/

bench

/bɛntʃ/

beside

/bɪˈsaɪd/