Learn How to Pronounce pot

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pot

Definition:

(nou) metal or earthenware cooking vessel that is usually round and deep; often has a handle and lid (nou) a plumbing fixture for defecation and urination (nou) the quantity contained in a pot (nou) a container in which plants are cultivated (nou) a large number or amount or extent (nou) the cumulative amount involved in a game (such as poker) (nou) slang for a paunch (nou) a resistor with three terminals, the third being an adjustable center terminal; used to adjust voltages in radios and TV sets (nou) street names for marijuana

Phonetic Transcription:

pɒt

Examples:

The pot is zesty.

Heat is then transferred from the pot to the food inside the pot by conduction.

Is that the pot or the black kettle

Learn more about:
pot

Related Words:

cup

glass

bottle

How to perfect your pronunciation of: pot

Learn Individual Sounds

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

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say pot 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 pot in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with pot.

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Common mistakes of pot pronunciation

Vowel confusion: Many learners pronounce "pot" with a long vowel sound, like "pote". This is incorrect; the correct IPA is /pɑt/ in US and /pɒt/ in UK. Tip: Focus on the short "o" sound.
Final "t" sound: Some may soften the final "t" in "pot", making it sound like "po". This can change the word's meaning. The IPA shows it as /pɑt/ (US) and /pɒt/ (UK). Tip: Ensure you pronounce the "t" clearly.
Stress placement: A common mistake is stressing the wrong syllable, saying "POT" instead of the correct unstressed form. "Pot" is a single-syllable word, so the stress is on the "p". Tip: Remember, it's just one syllable.
Nasalization: Some learners might nasalize the vowel, saying "pahn" instead of "pot". This alters the pronunciation and can confuse listeners. The correct sounds are /pɑt/ (US) and /pɒt/ (UK). Tip: Keep the vowel sound clear and non-nasal.
Dropping the initial consonant: Occasionally, learners may drop the initial "p", saying "ot" instead of "pot". This makes the word unintelligible. The correct pronunciation starts with the /p/ sound. Tip: Always articulate the initial consonant clearly.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "pot" in American English?

In American English, "pot" is pronounced as /pɑt/ with the vowel sound resembling "ah." The stress is on the single syllable, making it a straightforward pronunciation.

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

Yes, in British English, "pot" is pronounced as /pɒt/, where the vowel sound is more like "o" in "lot." The primary stress remains on the first syllable in both variants.

What are some common mistakes when pronouncing "pot"?

A frequent mistake is mispronouncing the vowel sound, often saying "pote" instead of "pot." Remember to keep the vowel sound short and clear, as in /pɑt/ or /pɒt/.

Does "pot" have any homophones or minimal pairs?

Yes, "pot" has a homophone "plot," which differs by the vowel sound and the added consonant at the end. Pay attention to the context to avoid confusion between these words.