diff --git a/python/python3/python3.SlackBuild b/python/python3/python3.SlackBuild
index 908b3f9091..b2b689ac7b 100644
--- a/python/python3/python3.SlackBuild
+++ b/python/python3/python3.SlackBuild
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ else
   LIBDIRSUFFIX=""
 fi
 
-PYVER=${VERSION::3}
+PYVER=$(cut -d. -f1,2 <<< "$VERSION")
 
 set -eu