Learn How to Pronounce dark
Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!
Find your word:
Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!
How to pronounce:
dark
Definition:
(nou) absence of light or illumination (nou) absence of moral or spiritual values (nou) an unilluminated area (nou) the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside (nou) an unenlightened state
Phonetic Transcription:
dɑːk
Examples:
The black sun is the ultimate power of the dark element.
It finally manages to catch a small carnivore in the dark of the night.
The dark of the night makes faraway voices quite nearer.
Learn more about:dark
Related Words:
How to perfect your pronunciation of: dark
Learn Individual Sounds
Break dark down into individual sounds such as dɑːk. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.
Copy Others
Use the tools above to find out how different people say dark in their accents, then try to repeat after them.
Pick an Accent
Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.
Record Yourself
Say dark in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with dark.
Get a Native Tutor
Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.
Common mistakes of dark pronunciation
- Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners may pronounce "dark" with a long "a" sound, like "dahrk". This is incorrect. The correct pronunciation is /dɑrk/ in US English and /dɑːk/ in UK English. Tip: Focus on the short "a" sound, similar to "car".
- Overemphasizing the "r": A common mistake is to overly stress the "r" in "dark", making it sound like "dar-k". This can lead to miscommunication. The correct pronunciation is /dɑrk/ (US) and /dɑːk/ (UK) with a smooth transition. Tip: Keep the "r" subtle and blend it with the vowel.
- Dropping the final consonant: Some may say "da" instead of "dark", omitting the "k" sound. This can change the meaning of the word. The final sound is crucial: /dɑrk/ (US) and /dɑːk/ (UK). Tip: Practice ending with a clear "k" sound to avoid confusion.
- Confusing "dark" with "dock": Learners might pronounce "dark" similarly to "dock", resulting in /dɑk/. This changes the word entirely. The correct pronunciation is /dɑrk/ (US) and /dɑːk/ (UK), with a distinct "r" sound. Tip: Pay attention to the "r" to differentiate between the two words.
- Using a flat intonation: Some may pronounce "dark" with a monotone voice, making it sound less expressive. This can affect clarity. The correct pronunciation is /dɑrk/ (US) and /dɑːk/ (UK) with natural intonation. Tip: Add some variation in your tone to enhance pronunciation.