Learn How to Pronounce adieu

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adieu

Definition:

(nou) a farewell remark

Phonetic Transcription:

əˈdjuː

Examples:

For now, adieu, and Merry Christmas.

The fight gets broken up, and Kruschkin bids adieu.

The college bids adieu to its last year students in style.

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adieu

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: adieu

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Common mistakes of adieu pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "adieu" as /əˈdjuː/. The correct stress is on the first syllable: /ˈæd.juː/ in UK English and /əˈdju/ in US English. Tip: Focus on saying "adieu" with emphasis on "ad".
  2. Incorrect vowel sounds: Some may pronounce "adieu" with an "a" as in "cat" instead of the correct /æ/ in UK or /ə/ in US. This leads to mispronunciation. Tip: Practice the vowel sound by saying "add" before "adieu".
  3. Ignoring the "d" sound: A common error is to soften the "d" in "adieu", making it sound like "a-ieu". The "d" should be clear: /ˈæd.juː/ (UK) or /əˈdju/ (US). Tip: Enunciate the "d" clearly when pronouncing "adieu".
  4. Overemphasizing the final "eu": Some learners may overly stress the "eu", leading to an unnatural pronunciation. The "eu" should flow smoothly without extra emphasis. Tip: Say "adieu" quickly to maintain natural flow.
  5. Mispronouncing as "a-dew": Some people mistakenly pronounce "adieu" as "a-dew", which alters the meaning. The correct pronunciation is /ˈæd.juː/ in UK and /əˈdju/ in US. Tip: Remember that "adieu" is one word, not two.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "adieu"?

The pronunciation of "adieu" is /əˈdjuː/ in both US and UK English. The first syllable has a schwa sound, while the second syllable is stressed and pronounced like "dew."

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "adieu" in American and British English?

There is no significant difference between the US and UK pronunciations of "adieu," both pronounced as /əˈdjuː/. The emphasis remains on the second syllable in both varieties.

What is the meaning of "adieu"?

"Adieu" is a French term that means "goodbye." It is often used in English to convey a formal or poetic farewell.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "adieu"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, as some may incorrectly stress the first syllable. Remember to emphasize the second syllable, pronouncing it as /əˈdjuː/.
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