Learn How to Pronounce bairn

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bairn

Definition:

(nou) a child: son or daughter

Examples:

I remember reading them as a wee bairn.

Or the person who thinks that bairn is a Celtic word.

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bairn

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: bairn

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Common mistakes of bairn pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "bairn" with a short vowel sound, like in "cat". The correct pronunciation is with a diphthong /ɛə/ in UK English: /ˈbɛə(r)n/. Tip: Focus on elongating the vowel sound.
  2. Ignoring the final "n": A common mistake is to drop the "n" sound at the end of "bairn". This leads to a pronunciation that sounds incomplete. In both US and UK English, the final /n/ is essential: /ˈbɛr(n)/. Tip: Ensure you articulate the "n" clearly.
  3. Incorrect stress placement: Some may incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "bairn" as if it has two syllables. The correct pronunciation has a single stressed syllable: /ˈbɛə(r)n/. Tip: Emphasize the first syllable only.
  4. Overemphasizing the "b": Learners might pronounce "bairn" with an exaggerated "b" sound, making it sound harsh. The correct pronunciation is softer, with a smooth transition from the "b" to the vowel. Tip: Keep the "b" light and fluid.
  5. Confusing with similar words: Some may confuse "bairn" with words like "barn" or "burn". Each has distinct vowel sounds. "Bairn" uses the diphthong /ɛə/ while "barn" uses /ɑː/. Tip: Practice differentiating these sounds in context.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "bairn"?

The pronunciation of "bairn" is /bɛrn/ in both UK and US English. The primary stress is on the single syllable, making it sound like "bern."

What is the meaning of "bairn"?

"Bairn" is a Scottish and Northern English term that means "child" or "baby." It is commonly used in informal contexts, especially in Scotland.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "bairn"?

Some learners might confuse "bairn" with similar-sounding words like "burn" due to the vowel sound. Remember, "bairn" has the vowel sound /ɛ/, as in "bed," not /ɜː/, like in "burn."

Does "bairn" have a regional pronunciation?

While "bairn" is generally pronounced /bɛrn/ across regions, accents may slightly affect its sound. In some Scottish dialects, the vowel may sound more rounded, but the basic pronunciation remains the same.
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