Learn How to Pronounce jail

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jail

Definition:

(nou) a correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence)

Phonetic Transcription:

dʒeɪl

Examples:

The rabble was arrested and sent to the jail.

All rebels were arrested and sent to the jail.

In some places, the Undersheriff is the prison warden of the county jail.

Learn more about:
jail

Related Words:

arrest

violation

How to perfect your pronunciation of: jail

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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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 jail pronunciation

Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "jail" as /dʒeɪl/ instead of the correct /dʒeɪl/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Focus on blending the "j" and "a" sounds smoothly to avoid hesitation.
Overemphasizing the "j": People often stress the "j" too much, making it sound harsh, like /dʒeɪl/. The correct pronunciation has a lighter touch on the "j". Tip: Practice saying "jail" softly at first to get comfortable with the sound.
Confusing with similar words: Some confuse "jail" with "gale" or "sale," leading to mispronunciation. "Jail" should be pronounced /dʒeɪl/, while "gale" is /ɡeɪl/. Tip: Listen to audio examples to distinguish these similar sounds.
Ignoring the diphthong: Learners might pronounce "jail" as /dʒæl/, neglecting the diphthong. The correct form is /dʒeɪl/. Tip: Practice the long "a" sound by saying words like "fail" or "mail" to get familiar with the diphthong.
Incorrect syllable stress: Some may place stress incorrectly, saying "JAIL" with a heavy emphasis, while it should maintain a balanced stress. Tip: Remember that "jail" is a single-syllable word, so keep the stress even throughout.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "jail" in American English?

In American English, "jail" is pronounced as /dʒeɪl/ with a single syllable. The primary stress is on the vowel sound "ay," similar to the word "mail."

What is the British pronunciation of "jail"?

In British English, "jail" is also pronounced as /dʒeɪl/, with the same single syllable and stress pattern. However, the term "gaol" is often used in the UK, pronounced the same way, /dʒeɪl/.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "jail"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "jail" as /dʒæl/, which uses a short "a" sound like in "cat." Remember to use the long "ay" sound instead to say it correctly.

Does "jail" have a schwa sound in casual speech?

No, "jail" does not contain a schwa sound in either formal or casual speech. It consistently maintains the clear vowel sound /eɪ/, making it easy to pronounce.