Learn How to Pronounce real

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real

Definition:

(nou) any rational or irrational number (nou) the basic unit of money in Brazil; equal to 100 centavos (nou) an old small silver Spanish coin

Phonetic Transcription:

reɪˈɑːl

Examples:

Ignominious is in fact, not real.

The style is brilliant and the facts rather real.

The real abductor of the child was in fact Dylan Timmins.

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: real

Learn Individual Sounds

Break real down into individual sounds such as reɪˈɑːl. 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 real pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "real" as /ril/ instead of /rɪəl/ (UK) or /rɪl/ (US). This changes the meaning. Tip: Focus on the diphthong sound in "real" to maintain accuracy.
  2. Ignoring the "r" sound: A common mistake is omitting the "r" sound, pronouncing "real" as /iːl/. This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Practice starting with a strong "r" sound to clarify your pronunciation.
  3. Incorrect stress placement: Some speakers stress the second syllable, saying "re-al" instead of the correct stress on the first syllable as in /ˈrɪəl/ (UK) or /ˈrɪl/ (US). Tip: Emphasize the initial syllable to sound more natural.
  4. Overemphasizing the "l": Learners may pronounce "real" with a heavy "l" sound, making it sound like /riːl/. This can confuse listeners. Tip: Keep the "l" light and blend it smoothly with the preceding vowel.
  5. Confusing with similar words: Some may mix up "real" with "reel," leading to miscommunication. "Reel" is pronounced /riːl/. Tip: Practice saying both words in sentences to distinguish their sounds effectively.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "real"?

In American English, "real" is pronounced as /ˈriːəl/, with the stress on the first syllable. In British English, it is also pronounced /ˈriːəl/, so the pronunciation is the same in both dialects.

What is the syllable structure of "real"?

The word "real" has two syllables: "re" and "al." The first syllable is stressed, making it sound more prominent in speech.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "real"?

A common mistake is to pronounce "real" with a schwa sound, making it sound like /ˈrɪəl/. Remember to use the long "ee" sound, /ˈriːəl/, to pronounce it correctly.

What are some minimal pairs for "real"?

Minimal pairs for "real" include "reel" and "rail." These words differ by only one sound, which can help learners practice distinguishing between similar pronunciations.
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