How to pronounce "express"

express

Noun
American
/ɪkˈsprɛs/

Syllable Breakdown

ex press

How natives say express

British
/ɪkˈsprɛs/

Syllable Breakdown

ex press

How natives say express

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with a short 'i' sound as in 'bit'.

  • Add 'k' sound, then move to 's' and 'p' together.

  • End with 'ress', stress the second syllable.

Common Mistakes

  • ex-press-ing (inserting -ing)

  • ex-pris (wrong vowel)

  • ex-press (emphasizing first syllable)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with a short 'i' sound as in 'bit'.

  • Add 'k' sound, then move to 's' and 'p' together.

  • End with 'ress', stress the second syllable.

common mistakes

  • ex-press-ing (inserting -ing)

  • ex-pris (wrong vowel)

  • ex-press (emphasizing first syllable)

FAQ

Why is the second syllable stressed?

In 'express', the second syllable 'press' is stressed.

Is there a silent syllable?

No, both syllables are pronounced clearly.

How do I avoid adding extra sounds?

Focus on the two clear syllables 'ex' and 'press'.

Definition

express

A fast service, usually referring to transportation or delivery.

Word Family

expressive

/ɪkˈsprɛsɪv/

adjective

Full of expression

Example: She is an expressive dancer.

expression

/ɪkˈsprɛʃən/

noun

A way of showing thoughts or feelings

Example: His face showed no expression.

expressly

/ɪkˈsprɛsli/

adverb

In a clear and explicit way

Example: She was expressly told not to go.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Express has a two-syllable structure unlike 'expression'.

Express ends with 's' whereas 'expressive' ends with 'iv'.

Express has hard 'e', 'expressly' ends with 'i'.

Pro Tips

Emphasize the right syllable

Make sure the second syllable 'press' is stressed.

Avoid extra sounds

Practice saying 'express' without adding any letters.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Express

abroad

/əˈbrɔd/

accelerate

/əkˈsɛləˌreɪt/

accident

/ˈæksɪdənt/

accommodate

/əˈkɑːməˌdeɪt/

accompany

/əˈkʌmpəni/

accomplish

/əˈkɑːm.plɪʃ/

afford

/əˈfɔrd/

airline

/ˈɛrˌlaɪn/

Other Categories

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