Learn How to Pronounce vain

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vain

Phonetic Transcription:

veɪn

Examples:

Cassiopeia was vain and boastful.

It is in vain to extenuate the matter.

The struggle of this one is in vain.

Learn more about:
vain

Related Words:

useless

How to perfect your pronunciation of: vain

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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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.

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Common mistakes of vain pronunciation

Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "vain" as "vane" (/veɪn/), which alters the meaning. Tip: Focus on the long "a" sound, ensuring it sounds like "ay" in "day."
Incorrect stress placement: Stressing the second syllable can lead to confusion, as "vain" is a single-syllable word. Tip: Remember that "vain" has primary stress on the only syllable: /veɪn/.
Confusing "vain" with "vein": Some might pronounce "vain" as "vein" (/veɪn/), leading to misunderstandings. Tip: Pay attention to context and the subtle differences in usage to avoid mix-ups.
Overemphasizing the "v": A common mistake is to overemphasize the "v" sound, making it sound harsh. Tip: Keep the "v" soft, blending it smoothly into the "ain" sound for clarity.
Neglecting the nasal sound: Learners may forget to properly nasalize the "n" sound at the end of "vain," making it sound incomplete. Tip: Ensure the "n" is pronounced clearly to finish the word correctly.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "vain" in American English?

In American English, "vain" is pronounced as /veɪn/ with a single syllable. The vowel sound is a long "a" as in "day," and the "v" is voiced at the beginning.

What is the British pronunciation of "vain"?

In British English, "vain" is also pronounced /veɪn/, with the same vowel sound and stress. There is no significant difference between the American and British pronunciations for this word.

Does "vain" have any silent letters?

No, "vain" does not have any silent letters. Each letter in "vain" is pronounced, with the "v," "a," "i," and "n" all contributing to the sound.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "vain"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing "vain" as /vɛn/, which sounds like "ven." Remember to use the long "a" sound to avoid confusion with similar words like "vane" or "vein."