Learn How to Pronounce spear

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:

spear

Definition:

(nou) a long pointed rod used as a tool or weapon (nou) an implement with a shaft and barbed point used for catching fish

Phonetic Transcription:

spɪə

Examples:

It was at the tip of the spear.

Currently, the spear is held in the Schatzkammer.

Symbols include the boar and the spear.

Learn more about:

spear

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: spear

Learn Individual Sounds

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

Copy Others

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

Get a Native Tutor

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

Common mistakes of spear pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "spear" with an "æ" sound as in "cat" (IPA: /spæər/). This is incorrect. Tip: Focus on the "iː" sound as in "see" for the correct pronunciation.
  2. Overemphasizing the "s": A common mistake is to stress the "s" too much, making it sound like "sspear" (IPA: /sˈpiːər/). This can confuse listeners. Tip: Keep the "s" soft and blend it smoothly into the vowel sound.
  3. Incorrect stress pattern: Some may incorrectly place the stress on the second syllable, saying "spear" as "spe-ar" (IPA: /ˈspiːər/). This alters the word's structure. Tip: Remember that "spear" is a single-syllable word with stress on the first part.
  4. Adding an extra vowel sound: Learners might pronounce "spear" with an added "uh" sound, saying "spe-uh-r" (IPA: /spiːər/). This makes the word longer than it should be. Tip: Practice saying "spear" quickly to avoid adding unnecessary sounds.
  5. Confusing with similar words: Some may mix up "spear" with "spare" (IPA: /spɛər/) due to similar sounds. This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Pay attention to the vowel sounds; "spear" has a long "e" sound, while "spare" uses a short "a" sound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "spear" in American English?

In American English, "spear" is pronounced as /spɪr/. The stress is on the single syllable, making it sound like "speerr" with a clear "s" and "p" sound followed by a short "i" vowel.

What is the British pronunciation of "spear"?

In British English, "spear" is pronounced as /spɪə/. The vowel sound is slightly different, featuring a diphthong that makes it sound like "speear," emphasizing the "i" sound that moves toward "ə."

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "spear"?

A common mistake is to pronounce "spear" as /spɛr/, using a short "e" sound instead of the correct "i" sound. This can lead to confusion with the word "spare," which has a different vowel sound.

Is there a schwa sound in "spear"?

No, there is no schwa sound in "spear." The word has a clear vowel sound, pronounced as /spɪr/, with no unstressed syllables or vowel reductions.
Improve your pronunciation with a convenient app anywhere, anytime