How to pronounce "artificial"

artificial

Adjective
American
/ˌɑːrtəˈfɪʃəl/

Syllable Breakdown

ar ti fi cial

How natives say artificial

British
/ˌɑːtɪˈfɪʃəl/

Syllable Breakdown

ar ti fi cial

How natives say artificial

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'ar' as in 'car', with a slight 't' sound at the end.

  • Say 'ti' like 'ti' in 'tiger', keeping it short.

  • Finish with 'ficial', pronounced 'fih-shul', putting stress on 'shi'.

Common Mistakes

  • ar-ti-fi-cail (incorrect 'c' sound)

  • ar-tif-i-cial (incorrect stress on 'f')

  • art-if-i-cial (missing 'ti')

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'ar' similar to 'car'.

  • Say 'ti' with a short 'tɪ' sound.

  • Finish with 'ficial', pronounced 'fih-shul', stressing 'shi'.

common mistakes

  • ar-ti-fi-cail (incorrect 'c' sound)

  • ar-tif-i-cial (incorrect stress on 'f')

  • art-if-i-cial (missing 'ti')

FAQ

How do I stress the syllables correctly?

Stress 'fi' and keep 'ar' softer at the start.

Is there a difference in 'c' pronunciation?

Yes, it's a soft 'sh' sound, not a hard 'c'.

Why do I struggle with 'ficial'?

Practice the 'fi' and 'cial' as 'fih-shul', focusing on 'sh'.

Definition

artificial

Not real; man-made.

Word Family

artifice

/ˈɑːrtɪfɪs/

noun

A clever or artful trick.

Example: The artifice deceived them.

artist

/ˈɑːrtɪst/

noun

A person who creates art.

Example: He is a talented artist.

art

/ɑːrt/

noun

Creative expression.

Example: She studies art.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Artifice has 'fɪs' ending, not 'shul'.

Artist ends with 'ist', not 'cial'.

Art is single syllable, not multi.

Pro Tips

Focus on the 'sh' sound

The 'c' in 'artificial' sounds like 'sh', not 'k'.

Practice stressing 'fi'

Put stress on 'fi' to make it sound natural.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Artificial

achieve

/əˈtʃiv/

biotechnology

/ˌbaɪ.oʊ.teɪˈnɑː.lə.dʒi/

challenge

/ˈtʃælɪndʒ/

chemical

/ˈkɛmɪkəl/

chemistry

/ˈkɛmɪstri/

cyberspace

/ˈsaɪbərˌspeɪs/

difference

/ˈdɪfərəns/

digital

/ˈdɪdʒɪtəl/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

adjoin

abroad

ability

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