Learn How to Pronounce safe

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:

safe

Definition:

(nou) strongbox where valuables can be safely kept (nou) a ventilated or refrigerated cupboard for securing provisions from pests (nou) contraceptive device consisting of a sheath of thin rubber or latex that is worn over the penis during intercourse

Phonetic Transcription:

seɪf

Examples:

This series is not the place for safe, sober, and stodgy presentations.

It's as humdrum and safe as they are.

Hotel Aroma Palace is the best place for tourists who want safe homely stay.

Learn more about:

safe

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: safe

Learn Individual Sounds

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

Copy Others

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

Get a Native Tutor

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

Common mistakes of safe pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Many learners pronounce "safe" with a short vowel sound, like "saf". The correct pronunciation is /seɪf/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Focus on the long "a" sound, similar to "day".
  2. Ignoring the final "e": Some may drop the final "e" and say "saf". In "safe", the "e" is silent but crucial for the long vowel sound. Tip: Remember that the silent "e" affects the preceding vowel.
  3. Overemphasizing the "s": Learners sometimes pronounce "safe" with an exaggerated "s" sound, making it sound like "sssaf". The correct pronunciation is /seɪf/ without extra emphasis. Tip: Keep the "s" soft and smooth.
  4. Confusing with "saf": Some may confuse "safe" with "saf", a word that doesn't exist in English. "Safe" means secure or protected. Tip: Associate "safe" with its meaning to reinforce the correct pronunciation.
  5. Mispronouncing the stress: A few learners might incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "sa-fe". However, "safe" is a single-syllable word with primary stress on the "s". Tip: Practice saying "safe" in isolation to master the correct stress.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "safe" in American English?

In American English, "safe" is pronounced as /seɪf/. The vowel sound is a long "a," similar to "day," and the "f" sound is clear at the end.

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

No, "safe" is pronounced the same way in both British and American English, /seɪf/. Both accents emphasize the long "a" sound and the "f" at the end.

What is the syllable structure of the word "safe"?

The word "safe" has one syllable, pronounced as /seɪf/. It consists of a vowel sound followed by a consonant, making it a simple and straightforward word.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "safe"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "safe" as /sæf/, using a short "a" sound instead of the long "a" sound. Remember to emphasize the long vowel sound in "safe" to pronounce it correctly.
Improve your pronunciation with a convenient app anywhere, anytime