Learn How to Pronounce sorry

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How to pronounce:

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sorry

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈsɒri

Examples:

Lol, sorry about that...It just feels so ceremonious.

Careworn people might live miserable lives; and I feel sorry for them.

Sorry for the confusion and doubly sorry for the apparent ineptitude.

Learn more about:
sorry

Related Words:

feel

heart

mind

How to perfect your pronunciation of: sorry

Learn Individual Sounds

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

Copy Others

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

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Common mistakes of sorry pronunciation

Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "sorry" with a long "o" sound, as in "sore." The correct pronunciation is /ˈsɔːr.i/ in UK and /ˈsɔr.i/ in US. Tip: Focus on the short "o" sound to avoid confusion.
Ignoring the "r" sound: A common mistake is to pronounce "sorry" without clearly articulating the "r." This can lead to misunderstandings. The "r" should be pronounced as /r/ in both US and UK. Tip: Practice saying "sorry" slowly to emphasize the "r."
Incorrect stress placement: Some people stress the second syllable, saying "so-RRY." The correct stress is on the first syllable: /ˈsɔːr.i/ (UK) and /ˈsɔr.i/ (US). Tip: Remember that the first syllable is the loudest.
Overemphasizing the "y": Learners sometimes add too much emphasis on the "y" sound at the end, making it sound like "sorryy." The last sound should be soft and quick. Tip: Keep the "y" subtle to maintain the natural flow.
Mixing up with "sari": Some confuse "sorry" with "sari," leading to mispronunciation. "Sari" is pronounced /ˈsɑː.ri/ in UK and /ˈsɑː.ri/ in US, differing significantly from "sorry." Tip: Practice distinguishing the two by focusing on their vowel sounds.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "sorry" in American English?

In American English, "sorry" is pronounced as /ˈsɔri/. The stress is on the first syllable, and the "o" sounds like the "aw" in "law."

What is the British pronunciation of "sorry"?

In British English, "sorry" is pronounced as /ˈsɒri/. The "o" in this variant sounds like the "o" in "cot," and the stress remains on the first syllable.

Does "sorry" have a schwa sound in any pronunciation?

Yes, in casual speech, some speakers might pronounce "sorry" with a schwa in the second syllable, making it sound like /ˈsɔrə/. This can happen in rapid conversation, where the second "r" may be less emphasized.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "sorry"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, pronouncing it as /sɔˈri/, which can confuse listeners. Additionally, some may pronounce the "o" too strongly, rather than using the softer vowel sound.