Learn How to Pronounce sick

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sick

Definition:

(nou) people who are sick

Phonetic Transcription:

sɪk

Examples:

Among their privileges was that of caring for the sick.

He is a patron saint of bodily ills and the sick.

Among their privileges was that of caring for the sick of the papal household.

Learn more about:
sick

Related Words:

care

disease

How to perfect your pronunciation of: sick

Learn Individual Sounds

Break sick down into individual sounds such as sɪk. 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 sick pronunciation

Misplacing the vowel sound: Many learners pronounce "sick" with a long "i" sound, like "see." The correct pronunciation is /sɪk/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Focus on the short "i" sound, like in "sit."
Ignoring the final consonant: Some may drop the "k" sound at the end, saying "si." The correct form maintains the /k/ sound, making it /sɪk/. Tip: Practice saying "sick" clearly, emphasizing the final "k."
Incorrect stress placement: Learners sometimes stress the wrong syllable, saying "SICK" instead of the correct /sɪk/, which is a single-syllable word. Tip: Remember that "sick" has only one syllable and should be pronounced with equal emphasis.
Confusing with similar words: Some confuse "sick" with "sickly" or "sicker," mispronouncing it as /ˈsɪkli/ or /ˈsɪkər/. The standalone word is /sɪk/. Tip: Practice saying "sick" in isolation to differentiate it from longer forms.
Mispronouncing the initial consonant: A common mistake is pronouncing "sick" with a "sh" sound, saying "shick." The correct pronunciation starts with /s/. Tip: Pay attention to the initial sound; it should be a clear "s" as in "see."

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "sick" in American English?

In American English, "sick" is pronounced as /sɪk/, with a single syllable. The vowel sound is a short "i," similar to "sit."

What is the British pronunciation of "sick"?

In British English, "sick" is also pronounced as /sɪk/, so there is no difference in pronunciation between the two variants. The stress remains on the single syllable.

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

A common mistake is mispronouncing "sick" with a long "i" sound, as in "seek." Remember, the correct vowel sound is short, like in "bit."

What minimal pairs can help with the pronunciation of "sick"?

Minimal pairs like "sick" and "sick" (as in "sick" vs. "sick") illustrate the importance of vowel sounds. Practicing these pairs can improve your pronunciation skills.