How to pronounce
listen
Are you a non-native English speaker looking to learn how to correctly pronounce the word "listen"? Pronouncing English words can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you can have the correct pronunciation down in no time!
The word "listen" is a verb, and is pronounced like "LIS-uhn". The word is made up of two syllables, with the first syllable sounding like "lis" and the second syllable sounding like "uhn". The stress should be placed on the first syllable, "lis". The vowel sound in the second syllable is a short "uh" sound.
To help you remember how to pronounce "listen", try breaking the word into two parts. The first part is "lis", which sounds like the beginning of the word "list". The second part is "uhn", which sounds like the end of the word "on".
Now that you know how to pronounce "listen", practice saying it out loud. Make sure to stress the first syllable and to keep the second syllable short. With some practice, you will be able to pronounce "listen" correctly in no time!
The word "listen" is a verb, and is pronounced like "LIS-uhn". The word is made up of two syllables, with the first syllable sounding like "lis" and the second syllable sounding like "uhn". The stress should be placed on the first syllable, "lis". The vowel sound in the second syllable is a short "uh" sound.
To help you remember how to pronounce "listen", try breaking the word into two parts. The first part is "lis", which sounds like the beginning of the word "list". The second part is "uhn", which sounds like the end of the word "on".
Now that you know how to pronounce "listen", practice saying it out loud. Make sure to stress the first syllable and to keep the second syllable short. With some practice, you will be able to pronounce "listen" correctly in no time!
Definition of
listen
What does it mean
listen
Frequently asked questions
How do you say listen correctly?
To pronounce listen correctly, focus on the first syllable 'lis-' followed by a softer '-ən.' The 't' is silent in most accents of English. Listening to native speakers and practicing repeatedly can help you become comfortable and fluent. You can record yourself and compare your pronunciation using tools like getpronounce.com.
Why does listen have a silent 't'?
The silent 't' in listen is a quirk from its Old English origin, when it was spelled hlýstan. Over time, letters changed or became silent as the language evolved. Many English words retain historical spellings that differ from their modern pronunciation.
Is there a difference between listen and hear?
Yes. Hear is usually a passive action—sound waves reaching your ears unintentionally—whereas listen is an active choice to pay attention. For example, you can hear a noise outside, but you listen carefully to understand the meaning of someone’s words.
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