Learn How to Pronounce fast

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fast

Definition:

(nou) abstaining from food

Phonetic Transcription:

fɑːst

Examples:

The speed is fast degrading.

The shutter speeds are pretty fast.

The speed of sonic is incredibly fast.

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fast

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: fast

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of fast pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Some learners stress the wrong syllable in "fast", pronouncing it as /ˈfæst/ instead of /fæst/. Tip: Remember that "fast" has only one syllable, so focus on the vowel sound.
  2. Overemphasizing the "a": Many non-native speakers pronounce the "a" in "fast" too strongly, leading to /fɑːst/ in UK English. Tip: Keep the "a" short and crisp, similar to the "a" in "cat".
  3. Incorrect vowel sound: Some might pronounce "fast" with a long vowel sound, like /feɪst/. This is incorrect in both US and UK English. Tip: Use the short "a" sound, as in /fæst/, to ensure clarity.
  4. Adding an extra syllable: A common mistake is pronouncing "fast" as two syllables, like /fæstə/. Tip: Remember that "fast" is a single syllable word; practice saying it quickly to reinforce this.
  5. Confusing with similar words: Learners sometimes confuse "fast" with "vast", leading to mispronunciation as /væst/. Tip: Pay attention to the initial consonant; "fast" starts with "f" while "vast" starts with "v".

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "fast" in American English?

In American English, "fast" is pronounced as /fæst/ with the stress on the first syllable. The vowel sound is similar to "a" in "cat."

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "fast" between American and British English?

No, both American and British English pronounce "fast" the same way, /fæst/. The stress pattern and vowel sounds are consistent in both dialects.

What is the syllable structure of the word "fast"?

The word "fast" has one syllable, making it a monosyllabic word. It is pronounced with a single vowel sound and ends with the consonant "st."

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "fast"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "fast" with a schwa sound, which would be incorrect. Remember to keep the vowel clear and strong as /æ/.
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