Learn How to Pronounce conversation

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conversation

Definition:

(nou) the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

Phonetic Transcription:

ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃən

Examples:

The conversation drifts.

He meddled in the conversation.

He overhears the conversation.

Learn more about:
conversation

Related Words:

telephone

speak

talking

How to perfect your pronunciation of: conversation

Learn Individual Sounds

Break conversation down into individual sounds such as ˌkɒnvəˈseɪʃən. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

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Common mistakes of conversation pronunciation

Misplacing the stress: Many people incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "converˈsation". The correct stress is on the third syllable: "ˌkɒn.vəˈseɪ.ʃən" (UK), "ˌkɑn.vɚˈseɪ.ʃən" (US). Tip: Practice saying "conver" softly and emphasize "sation".
Overpronouncing "con": Some learners emphasize "con" too much, leading to "ˈkɒn.vəˌseɪ.ʃən". The first syllable should be lighter. Tip: Focus on a quick "con" to keep the flow natural.
Ignoring the schwa: The "a" in "conversation" is often pronounced as "æ" instead of the correct schwa sound /ə/. This leads to "converˈsæ.ʃən". Tip: Remember to relax the "a" to sound like "ə" for a smoother pronunciation.
Mispronouncing the "t": Some may say "conversation" with a clear "t" sound, like "ˌkɒn.vəˈseɪ.tʃən". The "t" should be soft and almost silent. Tip: Blend the "t" into the "ʃ" sound for a more natural flow.
Confusing vowel sounds: The vowel in the second syllable is often mispronounced as "eɪ" instead of the correct "ə". This results in "converˈseɪ.ʃən". Tip: Practice with "vuh" to ensure you use the schwa sound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "conversation" correctly?

The word "conversation" is pronounced as /ˌkɒnvərˈseɪʃən/ in UK English and /ˌkɑnvərˈseɪʃən/ in US English. The primary stress is on the third syllable, "sa," which sounds like "say."

What are the syllables in "conversation"?

"Conversation" has four syllables: "con-ver-sa-tion." You can break it down as /ˌkɒn/ (or /ˌkɑn/) - /vər/ - /ˈseɪ/ - /ʃən/.

Is there a schwa sound in "conversation"?

Yes, there is a schwa sound in "conversation." The final syllable, "tion," is pronounced as /ʃən/, where the "tion" sounds like "shun," and the "a" is a schwa.

What common mistakes do people make when pronouncing "conversation"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often stressing the wrong syllable. Remember to emphasize the "sa" part, as in "con-ver-"SA"-tion," to pronounce it correctly.