Learn How to Pronounce first

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first

Definition:

(nou) the first or highest in an ordering or series (nou) the first element in a countable series (nou) the time at which something is supposed to begin (nou) the fielding position of the player on a baseball team who is stationed at first of the bases in the infield (counting counterclockwise from home plate) (nou) an honours degree of the highest class (nou) the lowest forward gear ratio in the gear box of a motor vehicle; used to start a car moving

Phonetic Transcription:

fɜːst

Examples:

The cockpit was at the front of the first bulkhead.

Callan connected the beginning of the first coil to the beginning of the second.

Her first fiance was murdered in the early eighties.

Learn more about:
first

Related Words:

beginning

early

front

How to perfect your pronunciation of: first

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of first pronunciation

Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "first" with a long "i" sound, saying "fīrst" instead of the correct "fɜrst" (US) or "fɜːst" (UK). Tip: Focus on the short "ɜ" sound to ensure accuracy.
Ignoring the "r" sound: A common mistake is to omit the "r" in "first," making it sound like "fist." This alters the meaning entirely. Tip: Practice emphasizing the "r" to distinguish it clearly.
Incorrect stress placement: Some may incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "fir-ST" instead of the correct "FIRST." Tip: Remember that "first" is a one-syllable word with stress on the only syllable.
Overemphasizing the "t": Learners sometimes pronounce "first" with a strong "t" at the end, sounding like "firs-t." This can confuse listeners. Tip: Keep the "t" soft and quick to maintain the correct sound.
Mispronouncing in connected speech: In fast speech, "first" can blend into the following word, leading to mispronunciation. Tip: Practice saying "first" clearly, even when speaking quickly, to maintain clarity.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "first" in American English?

In American English, "first" is pronounced as /fɜrst/ with the stress on the first syllable. The "ir" sounds like the "ur" in "fur," and the "st" at the end is pronounced clearly.

What is the British pronunciation of "first"?

In British English, "first" is pronounced as /fɜːst/. The main difference is the lengthening of the vowel sound, making it sound slightly more drawn out compared to the American version.

Does "first" have a schwa sound in any dialects?

No, "first" does not contain a schwa sound in any dialects. The vowel sound remains consistent as /ɜ/ or /ɜː/ depending on the accent.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "first"?

One common mistake is mispronouncing the vowel sound, often confusing it with the sound in "fist." Remember to keep the "ir" sound distinct and avoid adding any extra syllables.