What pronunciation means
The way a word or language is spoken.
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How to pronounce pronunciation
Learn how to pronounce pronunciation in English with clear US and UK audio, simple phonetic spelling, IPA, syllables, stress, and pronunciation tips.
1. Audio
Tap US Audio or UK Audio to listen first. Use Slow 0.55x for practice.
2. Simple phonetic spelling
pruh-nun-see-AY-shun
3. IPA transcription
/prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/
4. Syllables
pronunciation
5. Stress
pruh-nun-see-AY-shun
6. Native-language tips
pruh-nun-see-ay-shun
- Put the strongest stress on AY, not on the first syllable.
How to say pronunciation in American English
Use the simple guide "pruh-nun-see-AY-shun" and compare it with US IPA /prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/.
What makes this word difficult
The second syllable has secondary stress, but AY is the strongest beat. The word is pronunciation, not pronounciation; the spelling changes from pronounce. Do not insert an extra o after n; pronunciation is spelled and pronounced differently from pronounce.
Mouth and tongue position
Keep the middle /ʌn/ short, then make the /eɪ/ in AY longer and clearer.
Common pronunciation mistakes
- Saying pro-NOUN-ciation by copying the verb pronounce.
- Giving every syllable equal length instead of reducing the weak syllables.
Natural example sentences
- I want to improve my English pronunciation.
- The teacher corrected the pronunciation of several difficult words.
Similar and confusing words
Tips for language learners
chinese speakers
- Use stress length, not tone height, to make AY stand out.
FAQ
What is the IPA for pronunciation?
A common IPA transcription is /prəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/. PronounceText can show US and UK variants when they differ.
Where is the stress in pronunciation?
The stress guide is pruh-nun-see-AY-shun.