Learn How to Pronounce napkin

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napkin

Definition:

(nou) a small piece of table linen that is used to wipe the mouth and to cover the lap in order to protect clothing (nou) garment consisting of a folded cloth drawn up between the legs and fastened at the waist; worn by infants to catch excrement

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈnæpkɪn

Examples:

The man needed a napkin.

The napkin can be placed on the plate.

I filched napkin from the restaurant.

Learn more about:
napkin

Related Words:

bath

cloth

How to perfect your pronunciation of: napkin

Learn Individual Sounds

Break napkin down into individual sounds such as ˈnæpkɪn. 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 napkin pronunciation

Misplacing the stress: Some learners place the stress incorrectly on the second syllable, saying "nap-KIN" instead of "NAP-kin" (ˈnæp.kɪn). Tip: Remember that the first syllable is stressed in "napkin".
Confusing vowel sounds: A common mistake is pronouncing the "a" in "napkin" as in "cat" instead of the correct short "a" sound as in "man" (ˈnæp.kɪn). Tip: Practice saying "nap" to get the vowel sound right.
Overemphasizing the "k": Some people pronounce the "k" too strongly, leading to a harsh sound, as in "nap-KIN" (ˈnæp.kɪn). Tip: Keep the "k" soft and blend it smoothly with the following "in".
Omitting the "n": Learners may drop the "n" sound at the end, pronouncing it as "napki" instead of "napkin" (ˈnæp.kɪn). Tip: Ensure you articulate the final "n" clearly to avoid this mistake.
Incorrectly pronouncing the "p": Some may pronounce the "p" as a "b", saying "nabkin" instead of "napkin" (ˈnæp.kɪn). Tip: Focus on the voiceless "p" sound, ensuring it is crisp and clear.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "napkin" in American English?

In American English, "napkin" is pronounced as /ˈnæp.kɪn/. The stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "nap," and the second syllable has a short "i" sound, like in "kin."

Is there a difference in the pronunciation of "napkin" between American and British English?

The pronunciation of "napkin" is quite similar in both American and British English, pronounced as /ˈnæp.kɪn/ in both cases. However, some British speakers may slightly soften the "k" sound, but the overall pronunciation remains largely the same.

What are the syllables in "napkin"?

The word "napkin" has two syllables: "nap" and "kin." The first syllable is stressed, making it the more prominent part of the word when spoken.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "napkin"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "nap-KIN" instead of "NAP-kin." It's important to emphasize the first syllable to sound natural in conversation.