How to pronounce "due"

due

Adjective
American
/du/

Syllable Breakdown

due

How natives say due

British
/djuː/

Syllable Breakdown

due

How natives say due

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the /d/ sound. Place your tongue behind your upper teeth.

  • Move to the /u/ sound, like 'oo' in 'food'. Keep lips rounded.

  • Ensure a smooth transition from /d/ to /u/ without resting.

Common Mistakes

  • duh (d-uh)

  • doe (d-oh)

  • dewey (dew-ey)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the /d/ sound. Tongue behind upper teeth.

  • Add the /j/ sound like in 'yes'.

  • Finish with /uː/, similar to 'oo' in 'food'. Round your lips.

common mistakes

  • jo (j-oo)

  • do (d-oh)

  • dyew (d-yew)

FAQ

Is there a /j/ sound in 'due'?

In British English, yes. In American English, no.

Why does 'due' sound like 'do'?

In American English, they are similar. Focus on the vowel sound.

Why does 'due' have a /juː/ sound in British English?

This pronunciation includes a /j/ sound, making it distinct.

Definition

due

Expected at a certain time.

Word Family

debt

/dɛt/

noun

Money owed

Example: He is in debt.

dues

/djuːz/

noun

Fees or subscriptions to be paid

Example: I pay my dues monthly.

undue

/ʌnˈdjuː/

adjective

Excessive or unnecessary

Example: He showed undue attention.

Key Pronunciation Differences

'due' vs. 'debt'

- /d/ vs. /dɛt/

'due' vs. 'dues'

- Singular /d/; 'dues' has plural spelling with /z/ sound

'due' vs. 'undue'

- 'due' is one syllable; 'undue' starts with /ʌn/

Pro Tips

Relaxed Lips

Keep your lips rounded and relaxed for the /u/ sound.

Slow Transition

Practice slowly transitioning between /d/ and /uː/ to avoid extra sounds.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With 'due'.

agenda

/əˈdʒɛn.də/

amend

/əˈmɛnd/

anniversary

/ˌænɪˈvɜrsəri/

attend

/əˈtɛnd/

authorize

/ˈɔθəˌraɪz/

beforehand

/bɪˈfɔːrhænd/

center

/ˈsɛn.tɚ/

chronicle

/ˈkrɑːnɪkl̩/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories.

adjoin

abroad

ability