Learn How to Pronounce hello
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How to pronounce:
hello
Definition:
(nou) an expression of greeting
Phonetic Transcription:
həˈləʊ
Examples:
Say hello to your nan
I said hello to the members of the project.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: hello
Learn Individual Sounds
Break hello down into individual sounds such as həˈləʊ. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.
Copy Others
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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
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Common mistakes of hello pronunciation
- Vowel sound confusion: Some learners pronounce "hello" with a short "e" sound as in "bed" instead of the correct "ə" sound (/həˈloʊ/ in US, /həˈləʊ/ in UK). Tip: Focus on the relaxed vowel sound in the first syllable.
- Stress misplacement: Many say "hello" with equal stress on both syllables, which is incorrect. It should be stressed on the second syllable (/həˈloʊ/ or /həˈləʊ/). Tip: Emphasize the second part of the word for correct pronunciation.
- Dropping the "h" sound: Some speakers omit the initial "h" sound, saying "ello" instead of "hello." This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Practice the "h" sound by breathing out gently before saying "hello."
- Overemphasis on "l": Learners often overpronounce the "l" in "hello," making it sound awkward. The "l" should be clear but not overly stressed. Tip: Keep the "l" sound light and smooth to maintain natural flow.
- Incorrect intonation: Some use a flat intonation when saying "hello," which can sound unnatural. The word should have a slight rise in pitch, especially in greetings. Tip: Practice varying your pitch to sound more inviting and friendly.