Learn How to Pronounce please

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please

Phonetic Transcription:

pliːz

Examples:

In the meantime, please enjoy the intermission.

Help if you like, but please don't interfere.

However, I'd like other views on that, so please be unsparing.

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please

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: please

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Common mistakes of please pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "please" with a short "e" sound, like "plez". This is incorrect; the correct pronunciation is /pliːz/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Focus on the long "ee" sound to avoid this mistake.
  2. Ignoring the final "s": A common error is to drop the final "s" sound, pronouncing it as "plea". This can lead to misunderstandings. The correct pronunciation includes the "s" sound: /pliːz/. Tip: Practice saying the word slowly to emphasize the ending.
  3. Incorrect stress placement: Some people mistakenly stress the second syllable, saying "pleas-e". However, "please" is a one-syllable word, pronounced /pliːz/. Tip: Remember that "please" has only one strong beat, making it simple to pronounce.
  4. Overemphasizing the "p": Learners sometimes pronounce "please" with an exaggerated "p" sound, making it sound harsh. The correct pronunciation is smoother, as in /pliːz/. Tip: Relax your lips when saying "p" to create a softer sound.
  5. Mixing up with "pleas": Some may confuse "please" with "pleas," leading to incorrect usage. While "please" is a polite request, "pleas" refers to appeals or requests in legal terms. Tip: Familiarize yourself with the meanings to avoid confusion in context.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "please" in American English?

In American English, "please" is pronounced as /pliz/ with a single syllable. The vowel sound is a long "ee," and the stress falls on the entire word.

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

In British English, "please" is also pronounced as /pliːz/. The main difference is in the vowel quality, where the British pronunciation has a slightly longer vowel sound compared to the American version.

What is the schwa sound in the word "please"?

The word "please" does not contain a schwa sound, as it is pronounced clearly with a long vowel /iː/. Schwa sounds typically appear in unstressed syllables, but in "please," the entire word is stressed.

Are there any common mistakes people make when pronouncing "please"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "please" as /plɛz/, which uses a short vowel sound. To pronounce it correctly, ensure to use the long "ee" sound /iː/ and maintain the stress on the word.