Learn How to Pronounce hen

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hen

Definition:

(nou) adult female chicken (nou) adult female bird (nou) flesh of an older chicken suitable for stewing (nou) female of certain aquatic animals e.g. octopus or lobster

Phonetic Transcription:

hen

Examples:

The hen positions in front of the file of chickens.

The hen stands in front of the file of chickens.

While the hawk is asleep, the chicken will return to the hen.

Learn more about:
hen

Related Words:

chicken

bird

How to perfect your pronunciation of: hen

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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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 hen pronunciation

Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "hen" with a long vowel sound, like "hane". This is incorrect. The correct pronunciation is /hɛn/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Focus on the short "e" sound, as in "pen".
Ignoring the initial sound: A common mistake is to omit the initial "h" sound, resulting in "en". This can lead to misunderstandings. The correct pronunciation starts with /h/. Tip: Practice saying "h" clearly before the vowel to ensure it's present.
Overemphasizing the final consonant: Some may pronounce "hen" with an exaggerated "n" sound, making it sound like "hen-n". The correct pronunciation ends smoothly with /n/. Tip: Keep the final consonant soft and quick to maintain the word's natural flow.
Confusing with similar words: Learners might confuse "hen" with "hand" or "hench". While "hen" is pronounced /hɛn/, "hand" has a different vowel sound /hænd/. Tip: Pay attention to the vowel sounds in each word to distinguish them clearly.
Stressing the wrong syllable: Since "hen" is a one-syllable word, some might mistakenly stress it as if it had two syllables. The correct stress is on the single syllable /hɛn/. Tip: Remember that one-syllable words have only one stress point.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "hen" in American English?

In American English, "hen" is pronounced as /hɛn/ with a short "e" sound, similar to the "e" in "bed." The stress is on the single syllable, making it straightforward to say.

What is the British pronunciation of "hen"?

In British English, "hen" is also pronounced as /hɛn/, with no significant difference from the American pronunciation. The vowel sound remains the same, ensuring clarity in both accents.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "hen"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "hen" as /hɪn/, using a long "i" sound instead of the correct short "e." It's important to focus on the "e" sound, ensuring it sounds like "pen" rather than "pin."

What are some minimal pairs with "hen"?

Minimal pairs with "hen" include "pen" /pɛn/ and "ten" /tɛn/, where only the initial consonant changes. Practicing these pairs can help improve clarity and distinction in pronunciation.