Learn How to Pronounce leisure

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

leisure

Definition:

(nou) time available for ease and relaxation (nou) freedom to choose a pastime or enjoyable activity

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈleʒə

Examples:

Dionysus is the God of wine and leisure.

The leisure centre is next to the Civic Centre.

The leisure complex is located near the lake.

Learn more about:
leisure

Related Words:

travel

entertainment

How to perfect your pronunciation of: leisure

Learn Individual Sounds

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

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say leisure in their accents, then try to repeat after them.

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

Say leisure in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with leisure.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of leisure pronunciation

Incorrect vowel sound: Many people pronounce "leisure" with a short "e" sound, like "lezh-er". The correct pronunciation is /ˈlɛʒər/ in US English and /ˈleʒ.ər/ in UK English. Tip: Focus on the "zh" sound to get it right.
Misplaced stress: Some may stress the second syllable, saying "leisure" as "leez-UR". The primary stress is on the first syllable in both US and UK pronunciations: /ˈlɛʒər/ and /ˈleʒ.ər/. Tip: Emphasize the first syllable when speaking.
Overemphasis on "r": In US English, some might pronounce "leisure" with a strong "r" sound at the end, sounding like "lezh-er". The correct pronunciation has a softer ending: /ˈlɛʒər/. Tip: Keep the "r" subtle and smooth.
Confusion with "leisurely": Some learners confuse "leisure" with "leisurely", pronouncing both the same way. "Leisure" is /ˈlɛʒər/ (US) or /ˈleʒ.ər/ (UK), while "leisurely" is /ˈlɛʒ.ər.li/. Tip: Remember that "leisurely" has an extra syllable.
Ignoring regional differences: Not recognizing that "leisure" may sound different in various English dialects can lead to misunderstandings. US speakers say /ˈlɛʒər/, while UK speakers say /ˈleʒ.ər/. Tip: Be aware of the regional accents and practice accordingly.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "leisure" in American English?

In American English, "leisure" is pronounced as /ˈliːʒər/. The stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "lee," followed by a soft "zh" sound, similar to the "s" in "measure."

What is the British pronunciation of "leisure"?

In British English, "leisure" is pronounced as /ˈlɛʒə/. The first syllable is stressed and sounds like "lezh," with the "zh" pronounced like the "s" in "measure," but the vowel sound is different from the American version.

Does "leisure" have a schwa sound in its pronunciation?

Yes, "leisure" has a schwa sound in the second syllable in both American and British pronunciations. In the IPA, the second syllable is represented as /ər/ in the US and /ə/ in the UK, making it sound softer and less emphasized.

Are there common mistakes people make when pronouncing "leisure"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress or pronouncing it with equal emphasis on both syllables. It's important to stress the first syllable, making it sound distinct, as in /ˈliːʒər/ or /ˈlɛʒə/.