Learn How to Pronounce however

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however

Phonetic Transcription:

haʊˈevə

Examples:

Their defence, however, though desperate, was unavailing.

The narreme, however, has yet to be persuasively defined in practice.

Learn more about:
however

Related Words:

but

though

yet

How to perfect your pronunciation of: however

Learn Individual Sounds

Break however down into individual sounds such as haʊˈevə. 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.

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Common mistakes of however pronunciation

Misplacing the stress: Some learners place stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying /haʊˈɛvər/. However, the correct stress is on the first syllable: /ˈhaʊˌɛvər/. Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable for clarity.
Omitting the "h" sound: A common mistake is dropping the initial "h", pronouncing it as /aʊˈɛvər/. This can lead to confusion. Tip: Always pronounce the "h" clearly as in "hat" to avoid misunderstandings.
Incorrect vowel sounds: Some may pronounce "however" with a short "o" sound, saying /ˈhɔʊɛvər/. The correct pronunciation features a diphthong: /ˈhaʊ/. Tip: Practice saying the first syllable slowly to master the diphthong.
Blending into the next word: When "however" is used in a sentence, some speakers blend it into the following word, making it sound like one word. Tip: Pause slightly after "however" to maintain its distinct sound and clarity.
Overemphasizing the second syllable: Learners might overemphasize the second syllable, resulting in /haʊˈɛvər/. The correct pronunciation has a softer second syllable: /ˈhaʊˌɛvər/. Tip: Focus on a balanced emphasis across both syllables for better pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "however" in American English?

In American English, "however" is pronounced as /haʊˈɛvər/. The stress is on the second syllable, which sounds like "ev," while the "h" is pronounced clearly.

What is the British pronunciation of "however"?

In British English, "however" is pronounced as /haʊˈɛvə/. The main difference is in the final syllable, where the "r" is often not pronounced, resulting in a softer ending.

How many syllables are in "however"?

The word "however" has three syllables: "how," "ev," and "er." Each part is pronounced distinctly, with the stress on the second syllable.

Is there a common mistake when pronouncing "however"?

A common mistake is to misplace the stress, saying "HOW-ever" instead of "how-EV-er." Remember to emphasize the second syllable for correct pronunciation.