Learn How to Pronounce yes
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How to pronounce:
yes
Definition:
(nou) an affirmative
Phonetic Transcription:
jes
Examples:
The answer is an unequivocal yes.
The man answered yes.
Anyway the answer is an emphatic yes.
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: yes
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Common mistakes of yes pronunciation
- Vowel sound confusion: Some learners pronounce "yes" with a long "e" sound, as in "see" [siː]. In reality, it should be pronounced with a short "e" sound [jɛs] in both US and UK. Tip: Focus on keeping the "e" sound brief and crisp.
- Silent letters: A common mistake is to add an unnecessary "h" sound at the beginning, saying "hyes". The correct pronunciation starts directly with the "y" sound [jɛs]. Tip: Practice starting with the "y" sound to avoid adding extra letters.
- Stress misplacement: Some learners mistakenly emphasize the second syllable, saying "yes" as if it has two syllables. In fact, "yes" is a single-syllable word [jɛs]. Tip: Remember that "yes" is quick and straightforward, with no extra emphasis needed.
- Final sound blending: People may merge the "s" sound at the end of "yes" with the next word, making it sound slurred. The correct pronunciation clearly ends with the "s" sound [jɛs]. Tip: Practice saying "yes" distinctly before moving to the next word.
- Intonation errors: Some learners use a rising intonation when saying "yes," making it sound like a question. The correct intonation for affirmation is usually flat or slightly falling. Tip: Keep your tone steady and confident when affirming with "yes".