{"id":49971,"date":"2023-04-05T16:50:33","date_gmt":"2023-04-05T14:50:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/?p=49971"},"modified":"2023-04-04T10:54:56","modified_gmt":"2023-04-04T08:54:56","slug":"improve-your-english-pronunciation-by-mastering-these-10-tricky-words","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/improve-your-english-pronunciation-by-mastering-these-10-tricky-words\/","title":{"rendered":"Improve your English pronunciation by mastering these 10 tricky words"},"content":{"rendered":"

What are some of the trickiest words to pronounce in English? Well, we\u2019ve compiled<\/strong><\/span><\/em> a useful list of ten of the most difficult words for English learners to pronounce.<\/p>\n

Learn pronunciations of the words as well as our top English pronunciation tips to ensure you can say these words perfectly.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re interested in improving your English pronunciation and you\u2019d like to learn more about how to pronounce the sounds of English, then why not check out our introductory<\/strong><\/span><\/em> lesson to the phonemic chart here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s get started!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

10 difficult words to pronounce for English learners<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Through<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Pronunciation: \u2018THRUU\u2019 \/\u03b8ru\u02d0\/<\/strong><\/p>\n

Definition: (preposition) from one side or end to the other<\/p>\n

The spelling \u2018ough\u2019 can be a real pain for English learners. Did you know that there are at least eight different ways to pronounce it? In the word \u2018through\u2019, it\u2019s pronounced as \/u\u02d0\/ (like in the word \u2018two\u2019).<\/p>\n

Mind the \u2018th\u2019 sound as well \u2013 this is pronounced with the tongue between the teeth.<\/p>\n

2. Biscuit<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Pronunciation: \u2018BIS-kit\u2019 \/\u02c8b\u026as.k\u026at\/<\/strong><\/p>\n

Definition: (noun) a small flat cake that\u2019s usually dry and sweet<\/p>\n

The word \u2018biscuit\u2019 has a silent \u2018u\u2019, so a lot of English learners mispronounce this as \u2018BIS-kwit\u2019. So remember not to pronounce the \u2018u\u2019 and just say \u2018BIS-kit\u2019.<\/p>\n

3. Comfortable<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Pronunciation: \u2018KUM-fuh-tuh-bul\u2019 or \u2018KUMF-ta-bul\u2019 \/\u02c8k\u028cm.f\u0259.t\u0259.b\u0259l\/ or \/\u02c8k\u028cmf.t\u0259.b\u0259l\/<\/strong><\/p>\n

Definition: (adjective) something that provides a pleasant feeling and does not give physical problems<\/p>\n

There are two ways to pronounce \u2018comfortable\u2019. The most common (and easiest) way is to say it with just three syllables. The first and second syllables are blended<\/strong><\/span><\/em> into one, like \u2018KUMF\u2019, instead of \u2018KUM-fuh\u2019.<\/p>\n

4. Months<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Pronunciation: \u2018MUNTHS\u2019 (or \u2018MUNS\u2019 \/m\u028cns\/ if said quickly) \/m\u028cn\u03b8s\/<\/strong><\/p>\n

Definition: (noun) the plural of \u2018month\u2019, meaning a period of around four weeks<\/p>\n

The tricky<\/strong><\/span><\/em> part here is the combination \/n\u03b8s\/.<\/p>\n

A top tip is to pronounce the \/n\/, but keep the tongue up. Then slide your tongue forward so it\u2019s between your teeth to make the \/\u03b8\/. Then, slide your tongue back again for the \/s\/. Your tongue should stay at the top of your mouth the whole time that you do the combination \/n\u03b8s\/.<\/p>\n

In fast speech, native speakers tend to remove the \/\u03b8\/ and just say \/m\u028cns\/ (like \u2018muns\u2019). It\u2019s much easier to say, so you can try this way too. It\u2019s really up to you<\/strong><\/span><\/em>! <\/p>\n

5. Jewellery<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Pronunciation: \u2018JUU-ul-ree\u2019 or \u2018JUUL-ree\u2019 \/\u02c8d\u0292u\u02d0.\u0259l.ri\/ or \/\u02c8d\u0292u\u02d0l.ri\/<\/strong><\/p>\n

Definition: (noun) decorative items worn on the body made of metal (such as gold or silver) and precious stones<\/p>\n

A common mispronunciation<\/strong><\/span><\/em> for English learners is \u2018je-wel-ree\u2019, as they try to pronounce the \u2018w\u2019. However, forget about the spelling and split it into two syllables, like JUUL-ree. It\u2019s so much easier to say it this way!<\/p>\n

6. Library<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Pronunciation: \u2018LAI-bruh-ree\u2019 or \u2018LAI-bree\u2019 \/\u02c8la\u026a.br\u0259r.i\/ or \/\u02c8la\u026a.bri\/<\/strong><\/p>\n

Definition: (noun) a building or room that has a collection of books or documents that people can borrow<\/p>\n

The easiest way to say this is to remove the last \u2018r\u2019 and just say this with two syllables, like \u2018LAI-bree\u2019. You\u2019ll hear English speakers from the UK using this pronunciation more.<\/p>\n

7. Chemistry<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Pronunciation: \u2018KEM-i-stree\u2019 \/\u02c8kem.\u026a.stri\/<\/strong><\/p>\n

Definition: (noun) the scientific study of substances<\/strong><\/span><\/em> and how they react, especially when combined<\/p>\n

There are three ways to pronounce the \u2018ch\u2019 spelling in English. The most common way is with the sound \/t\u0283\/ (like in \u2018cheese\u2019 or \u2018choose\u2019). However, in \u2018chemistry\u2019, it\u2019s pronounced with a \/k\/ (like in \u2018chaos\u2019, \u2018echo\u2019 and \u2018anchor\u2019). This is because the word is of Greek origin.<\/p>\n

8. Temperature<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Pronunciation: \u2018TEM-pruh-cha\u2019 \/\u02c8tem.pr\u0259.t\u0283\u0259\/<\/strong><\/p>\n

Definition: (noun) a measurement of how hot a place or object is<\/p>\n

As this word comes from Latin, it appears in quite a few languages (such as \u2018temperatura\u2019 in Spanish, \u2018temp\u00e9rature\u2019 in French, or \u2018temperatur\u2019 in German). This can cause some learners to try and pronounce this word like it is in their first language.<\/p>\n

In English, the word \u2018temperature\u2019 has only three syllables (not four!). Also, mind the stress<\/strong><\/span><\/em> as it goes on the first syllable.<\/p>\n

9. Recipe<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<\/p>\n

Pronunciation: \u2018RES-i-pee\u2019 \/\u02c8res.\u026a.pi\/<\/strong><\/p>\n

Definition: (noun) a set of instructions that tell you how to prepare or cook food<\/p>\n

A common mistake is to pronounce this as \u2018RE-seep\u2019. However, this word actually has three syllables and we pronounce the \u2018e\u2019 on the end, like \u2018RE-si-pee\u2019.<\/p>\n

10. Quinoa<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Pronunciation: \u2018KEEN-waa\u2019 or \u2018ki-NOUWA\u2019 \/\u02c8ki\u02d0nw\u0251\u02d0\/ or \/k\u026a\u02c8n\u0259\u028a\u0259\/ (also \u2018KIN-waa\u2019 \/\u2019k\u026anw\u0251\u02d0\/ in the US)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Definition: (noun) a seed from a South American plant that is cooked and eaten, often in salads<\/p>\n

There are two very different ways to pronounce these words. In the UK, you will hear both \u2018KEEN-wa\u2019 or \u2018ki-NOUWA\u2019, so both the vowels and stress can change. However, in the US you will only hear \u2018KIN-waa\u2019.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

More ways to improve your English pronunciation<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Now that you\u2019ve mastered the top 10 difficult words to pronounce in English, here are some more excellent resources to help you with your speaking and pronunciation skills.<\/p>\n

5 of the best apps for improving your English speaking<\/a><\/p>\n

5 powerful tools to perfect your pronunciation<\/a><\/p>\n

6 ways to improve your fluency when speaking English<\/a><\/p>\n

6 common pronunciation mistakes that Spanish speakers make<\/a><\/p>\n

Improve your fluency, pronunciation and confidence when speaking in English by taking lessons with our highly qualified and experienced English teachers.<\/p>\n

We offer courses both online and in-person in Barcelona. Take a look at our available courses here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Glossary for Language Learners<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n

compile (v):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> to collect information and put it together.<\/p>\n

introductory (adj):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> used or experienced for the first time.<\/p>\n

blend (v):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> to mix together.<\/p>\n

tricky (adj):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> difficult.<\/p>\n

be up to someone (ph):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> that person must make a decision (\u2018it\u2019s up to you\u2019 = \u2018it\u2019s your decision\u2019).<\/p>\n

mispronunciation (n):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> the act of pronouncing a word or sound incorrectly.<\/p>\n

substance (n):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> a solid, liquid or gas with particular characteristics and properties.<\/p>\n

stress (n):<\/strong><\/em><\/span> in phonetics, stress is where the emphasis is placed in a word or sentence.<\/p>\n

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Key<\/strong><\/p>\n

adj = adjective<\/p>\n

v = verb<\/p>\n

ph = phrase<\/p>\n

n = noun<\/p>\n

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Improve your English this Summer with Oxford House Barcelona<\/h4><\/i>Interested in taking an English course at Oxford House Barcelona? Check the English Summer Intensive courses<\/a> we can offer you or contact us<\/a> for more information.<\/div>
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