Learn How to Pronounce explain

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:
explain
Phonetic Transcription:
ɪkˈspleɪn
Examples:
Statements like these explain much of the exasperated reactions you have seen.
It would explain your dogged adherence to a postion in the face of facts.
The verses explain the situation.

Learn more about:explain
Related Words:
How to perfect your pronunciation of: explain
Learn Individual Sounds
Break explain down into individual sounds such as ɪkˈspleɪn. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.
Copy Others
Use the tools above to find out how different people say explain 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 explain in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with explain.
Get a Native Tutor
Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of explain pronunciation

- Misplacing stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "ex-PLAIN". The correct stress is on the second syllable: /ɪkˈspleɪn/ (US) and /ɪkˈspleɪn/ (UK). Tip: Focus on emphasizing "plain" when pronouncing "explain".
- Overpronouncing the "x": Some speakers may overemphasize the "x" sound, leading to a pronunciation like "EKS-plain". The correct pronunciation is /ɪkˈspleɪn/. Tip: Keep the "x" soft and fluid, blending it smoothly into the following syllable.
- Incorrect vowel sound: A common mistake is using a short vowel sound, pronouncing it as "ex-PLIN". The correct pronunciation features a long "a" sound: /ɪkˈspleɪn/. Tip: Practice saying "plain" correctly to ensure the vowel sound in "explain" is accurate.
- Skipping the initial syllable: Some may drop the "ex-" entirely, saying just "plain". This changes the meaning and is incorrect. The full pronunciation is /ɪkˈspleɪn/. Tip: Always articulate the "ex-" to maintain clarity and meaning in your speech.
- Adding an extra syllable: Occasionally, learners might add an extra syllable, saying "ex-pla-in". The correct form has only two syllables: /ɪkˈspleɪn/. Tip: Break down the word into two clear parts: "ex" and "plain" without adding more sounds.