Accent test

How to pronounce explain

explain
/ɪkˈspleɪn/
2 syllables, stress on the second

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Explain, sound by sound

/ɪ/as in shipA short, relaxed sound. Do not stretch it into “ee”.
/k/as in catWith a light puff of air at the start of a word.
/s/as in seeTongue tip near the ridge behind the teeth, a narrow stream of air.
/p/as in penWith a light puff of air at the start of a word.
/l/as in lookTongue tip on the ridge behind the teeth; air flows around the sides.
/eɪ/as in dayGlide from “e” to a short “i”. One syllable.
/n/as in noTongue tip on the ridge behind the teeth, air through the nose.

In a sentence

I can't explain the difference between those two.

Words that rhyme with explain

More words with the /ɪ/ sound

Questions and answers

How do you pronounce explain?

Explain is pronounced /ɪkˈspleɪn/ in American English.

How many syllables are in explain?

Explain has 2 syllables.

Which syllable is stressed in explain?

The second syllable: /ɪkˈspleɪn/.

What rhymes with explain?

duquesne, duane, skein, aine, iain.

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