Learn How to Pronounce sixteen

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sixteen

Definition:

(nou) the cardinal number that is the sum of fifteen and one

Phonetic Transcription:

sɪkˈstiːn

Examples:

He matriculated at the age of sixteen.

The age of entering the University was sixteen.

The average workday is sixteen hours.

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sixteen

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: sixteen

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

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Common mistakes of sixteen pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "sixteen" with a short "i" sound, like in "sit," instead of the correct long "i" sound /sɪkˈstin/. Tip: Focus on elongating the "i" to achieve the right sound.
  2. Ignoring the "t" sound: Many people omit the "t" in "sixteen," pronouncing it as /sɪkˈsin/. This can confuse listeners and change the meaning. Tip: Practice emphasizing the "t" to ensure clarity.
  3. Stressing the wrong syllable: A common mistake is placing stress on the first syllable, saying /ˈsɪkˌstin/. The correct pronunciation stresses the second syllable /sɪkˈstin/. Tip: Remember that the stress falls on "teen."
  4. Overemphasizing the "s": Some learners pronounce "sixteen" with an exaggerated "s" sound, making it sound like /sɪkˈstin/ instead of /sɪkˈstin/. Tip: Keep the "s" sound soft and natural to avoid confusion.
  5. Mispronouncing the ending: A frequent error is pronouncing "sixteen" with a different ending, such as /sɪkˈstɛn/. This alters the word entirely. Tip: Practice the correct ending sound /tin/ to maintain accuracy.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "sixteen"?

The word "sixteen" is pronounced as /ˌsɪkˈstin/ in both American and British English. The primary stress is on the second syllable, "teen."

Is there a schwa sound in "sixteen"?

No, there is no schwa sound in "sixteen." Each syllable is pronounced clearly, with the first syllable "six" sounding like /sɪk/ and the second syllable "teen" like /tin/.

What are common mistakes when pronouncing "sixteen"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, such as saying "SIXteen" instead of "sixTEEN." Remember that the correct stress is on the second syllable, making it clearer and more accurate.

Are there any regional variations in pronouncing "sixteen"?

Generally, "sixteen" is pronounced consistently across different English-speaking regions. However, accents may slightly alter the vowel sounds, but the stress pattern remains the same.
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