Learn How to Pronounce no

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Definition:

(nou) a negative (nou) a radioactive transuranic element synthesized by bombarding curium with carbon ions; 7 isotopes are known

Phonetic Transcription:

nəʊ

Learn more about:
no

Related Words:

none

nothing

off

How to perfect your pronunciation of: no

Learn Individual Sounds

Break no down into individual sounds such as nəʊ. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

Copy Others

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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.

Record Yourself

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Common mistakes of no pronunciation

Incorrect vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "no" with a long "o" sound as in "go," resulting in /noʊ/ (US) or /nəʊ/ (UK). Tip: Focus on the single vowel sound, which is a diphthong in both accents.
Adding an extra vowel: A common mistake is inserting an extra vowel sound, saying "nuh-oh" instead of "no." This can confuse listeners. Tip: Practice saying "no" quickly to avoid elongating the sound.
Misplacing stress: Some learners stress the wrong syllable, saying "NO" instead of the correct pronunciation, which has no stressed syllables. Tip: Remember that "no" is a monosyllabic word; keep it short and simple.
Overemphasizing the "n" sound: Some may pronounce "no" as "nno" with an exaggerated "n" sound. This can make the word sound unnatural. Tip: Keep the "n" sound clear but not overly pronounced; it should flow smoothly into the vowel.
Confusing with other words: Learners sometimes mix "no" with "know," leading to confusion in meaning. Both are pronounced similarly, /noʊ/ (US) or /nəʊ/ (UK). Tip: Pay attention to context and practice distinguishing between the two in sentences.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "no" in American English?

In American English, "no" is pronounced as /noʊ/ with a single syllable and the vowel sound resembling the "o" in "go." The stress is on the vowel, making it a clear and emphatic sound.

Is there a difference in the pronunciation of "no" between British and American English?

Yes, in British English, "no" is pronounced as /nəʊ/, where the vowel sound is a diphthong that combines the sounds of "n" and "o." This can sound slightly different from the American pronunciation, which has a more straightforward vowel sound.

What is the correct stress pattern for the word "no"?

The word "no" has primary stress on the vowel, making it pronounced as /noʊ/ in American English and /nəʊ/ in British English. There are no silent letters or additional syllables in this word, which keeps it simple.

Are there common mistakes people make when pronouncing "no"?

One common mistake is mispronouncing "no" with an added vowel sound, making it sound like "nuh-oh." It's important to keep the pronunciation clear and concise, focusing on the single syllable and the correct vowel sound.