Learn How to Pronounce virgin

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virgin

Definition:

(nou) a person who has never had sex (nou) a person who is born while the sun is in Virgo (nou) the sixth sign of the zodiac; the sun is in this sign from about August 23 to September 22

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈvɜːdʒɪn

Examples:

She is unmarried and is a virgin.

She claims that she is a virgin.

Mary is the virgin whom no power defiled.

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virgin

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: virgin

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Common mistakes of virgin pronunciation

  1. Incorrect vowel sound: Many learners mispronounce "virgin" by using a short "i" sound, saying /ˈvɪr.dʒɪn/ instead of /ˈvɜr.dʒɪn/ (US) or /ˈvɜː.dʒɪn/ (UK). Tip: Focus on the "ir" producing a more open vowel sound like in "her."
  2. Misplacing stress: Some people stress the second syllable, saying "vir-"GIN" instead of "VIR"-gin. This changes the rhythm of the word. Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the first syllable, "VIR."
  3. Overemphasizing the "g": It's common to overpronounce the "g" in "virgin," making it sound like /g/ instead of the softer /dʒ/. Tip: Practice saying "judge" to get comfortable with the soft "g" sound.
  4. Skipping the "r": Some speakers omit the "r" sound, pronouncing it as "vijin." This can lead to misunderstandings. Tip: Ensure you articulate the "r" clearly, as in "bird," to maintain clarity.
  5. Blending sounds: Learners sometimes blend the "n" at the end with the preceding vowel, making it sound like "virjeen." Tip: Keep the "n" distinct and separate when pronouncing "virgin" to avoid confusion.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "virgin" in American English?

In American English, "virgin" is pronounced as /ˈvɜr.dʒɪn/ with the stress on the first syllable. The "v" sound is pronounced like in "very," and the "g" is a soft "j" sound, similar to "judge."

Is there a difference in the pronunciation of "virgin" between British and American English?

Yes, in British English, "virgin" is pronounced as /ˈvɜː.dʒɪn/, where the first syllable has a longer vowel sound. The rest of the pronunciation remains similar, with the "g" still pronounced as a soft "j."

What syllable stress pattern does "virgin" follow?

The word "virgin" has a two-syllable structure with the stress on the first syllable: "VIR-gin." This means you emphasize the "VIR" part when saying the word.

Are there any common mistakes in pronouncing "virgin"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing the "g" as a hard "g" like in "go," instead of the correct soft "j" sound. Also, some may forget to stress the first syllable, which can lead to confusion.
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