Learn How to Pronounce live

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Listen to the pronunciation:

live

Phonetic Transcription:

laɪv

Examples:

It's amazing to hear the spontaneity of a live performance like that.

Theatre is conventionally used to describe the milieu of live performance.

They bemoaned at the miserable lives they live.

Learn more about:
live

Related Words:

performance

How to perfect your pronunciation of: live

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of live pronunciation

Mispronouncing the vowel sound: Some may pronounce "live" with a long "i" sound, as in "five" /faɪv/. This is incorrect. Tip: Remember that "live" in the context of being alive uses a short "i" sound /lɪv/.
Confusing "live" with "live" (broadcast): The word "live" can mean to be alive or to broadcast in real-time. In the broadcast context, it has a long "i" sound /laɪv/. Tip: Context is key; pay attention to the surrounding words to determine the correct pronunciation.
Ignoring stress patterns: Some speakers may say "live" with equal stress on both syllables. However, it should be pronounced with primary stress on the first syllable /ˈlɪv/. Tip: Practice emphasizing the first syllable to improve clarity.
Overarticulating: Some learners may overemphasize the "v" sound, making it sound unnatural. The correct pronunciation should flow smoothly without excessive emphasis. Tip: Practice saying "live" in sentences to develop a natural rhythm.
Misplacing intonation: When using "live" in a sentence, some might place the intonation incorrectly, making it sound flat. The intonation should rise or fall depending on the sentence structure. Tip: Listen to native speakers and mimic their intonation patterns for better fluency.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "live" in American English?

In American English, "live" is pronounced as /lɪv/ with a short "i" sound, similar to "give." It has one syllable and the stress is on the vowel sound.

What is the British pronunciation of "live"?

In British English, "live" can be pronounced as /lɪv/ when used as a verb, but when used as an adjective (as in "live music"), it is pronounced /laɪv/ with a long "i" sound. The context of the word changes its pronunciation.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "live"?

A common mistake is confusing the verb "live" (/lɪv/) with the adjective "live" (/laɪv/). Learners often use the wrong pronunciation based on the context, so it's important to pay attention to how the word is used.

What are some minimal pairs for "live"?

Minimal pairs for "live" include "leave" (/liːv/) and "life" (/laɪf/). These words differ by one sound, which can change their meanings entirely, so practicing these can help improve pronunciation skills.