Learn How to Pronounce powerful

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Try:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

powerful

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈpaʊəfəl

Examples:

The effect was powerful and intimate.

However, the effect on the victim is amazingly powerful.

The powerful central light source creates a chiaroscuro effect.

Learn more about:

powerful

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: powerful

Learn Individual Sounds

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

Copy Others

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

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of powerful pronunciation

  1. Stress on the wrong syllable: Many learners stress the second syllable instead of the first. The correct stress is on the first syllable: /ˈpaʊərfəl/ (US) and /ˈpaʊəfəl/ (UK). Tip: Remember to emphasize "pow" when saying "powerful".
  2. Omitting the second syllable: Some people may pronounce "powerful" as "powerful" with only two syllables, losing the correct pronunciation. This results in /ˈpaʊərfəl/ (US) and /ˈpaʊəfəl/ (UK). Tip: Make sure to pronounce all three syllables clearly.
  3. Mispronouncing the "r": The "r" in "powerful" can be tricky. Some may pronounce it too lightly or omit it entirely, leading to a less clear pronunciation. The correct sound is /r/. Tip: Focus on articulating the "r" sound distinctly.
  4. Confusing "powerful" with "power": Learners sometimes simplify "powerful" to "power", which changes the meaning entirely. The correct pronunciation is /ˈpaʊərfəl/ (US) and /ˈpaʊəfəl/ (UK). Tip: Always remember to include the "ful" ending for clarity.
  5. Inconsistent vowel sounds: Some may mispronounce the vowel sounds in "powerful", leading to variations like "pawrful". The correct sounds are /aʊ/ in the first syllable. Tip: Practice the vowel sounds to ensure consistency in your pronunciation.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "powerful" correctly?

In American English, "powerful" is pronounced as /ˈpaʊərfəl/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "pow," and the second syllable has a schwa sound, making it sound like "puh-fuhl."

What are the syllables in "powerful"?

The word "powerful" has three syllables: "pow-er-ful." The first syllable is stressed, while the second and third syllables are less emphasized, which is typical in multisyllabic words.

Is there a difference in pronunciation between American and British English for "powerful"?

No, the pronunciation of "powerful" is generally the same in both American and British English, pronounced as /ˈpaʊərfəl/. Both variants stress the first syllable and maintain the same vowel sounds.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "powerful"?

A common mistake is to pronounce "powerful" with only two syllables, sounding like "pow-erful." Remember to include the schwa sound in the last syllable to pronounce it correctly as three syllables.
Improve your pronunciation with a convenient app anywhere, anytime