Learn How to Pronounce can
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How to pronounce:
can
Definition:
(nou) airtight sealed metal container for food or drink or paint etc. (nou) the quantity contained in a can (nou) a buoy with a round bottom and conical top (nou) the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on (nou) a plumbing fixture for defecation and urination (nou) a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
Phonetic Transcription:
kæn
Examples:
The package can also be evacuated and hermetically sealed.
The reader can see the scores in the box.
Houseflies can take in only liquid foods.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: can
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Break can down into individual sounds such as kæn. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.
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Common mistakes of can pronunciation
- Misplacing stress: Some learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "can" as /kæn/. In both US and UK English, the stress is on the first syllable: /kæn/. Tip: Focus on saying "can" with a clear, strong "c" sound.
- Overpronouncing the vowel: Some pronounce "can" with an exaggerated vowel sound, making it sound like /keɪn/. The correct pronunciation is /kən/ in unstressed forms. Tip: Practice saying "can" quickly in sentences to get used to the correct vowel sound.
- Confusing with "can"t": Learners sometimes mix "can" and "can"t," leading to miscommunication. "Can" is pronounced /kæn/ (US) or /kən/ (UK), while "can"t" is /kænt/ (US) or /kɑːnt/ (UK). Tip: Pay attention to the vowel sounds and the presence of the "t" in "can"t."
- Dropping the final "n": Some speakers might pronounce "can" as /kæ/, omitting the final "n" sound. This is incorrect as it changes the meaning. Tip: Ensure you pronounce the "n" clearly to convey the correct meaning.
- Mispronouncing in questions: In questions, learners may say "can" incorrectly as /kæn/ instead of /kən/. In rapid speech, it often reduces to /kən/. Tip: Practice saying "can you" quickly to get comfortable with the reduced form.