How to pronounce "frequency"

frequency

Noun
American
/ˈfriː.kwən.si/

Syllable Breakdown

fre quen cy

How natives say frequency

British
/ˈfriː.kwən.si/

Syllable Breakdown

fre quen cy

How natives say frequency

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the 'free' sound, like 'tree' but with an 'f'.

  • Next, say 'kwen', like 'when' but with a strong 'k' at the start.

  • Finish with the 'si', similar to 'see'.

Common Mistakes

  • fray-kwen-cy

  • fry-kwen-cy

  • fee-kwen-cy

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the 'free' sound, similar to AmE.

  • Next, say 'kwen', similar to American but softer.

  • Finish with the 'si', pronounced as 'see', same as AmE.

common mistakes

  • fray-kwen-cy

  • fry-kwen-cy

  • fee-kwen-cy

FAQ

Why do I hear 'kw' in the middle?

The 'q' in 'frequency' is pronounced like 'kw'.

Is the last part 'si' or 'sy'?

It should sound like 'see'.

Where is the stress in 'frequency'?

The stress is on the first syllable: 'fre'.

Definition

frequency

How often something happens.

Word Family

frequent

/ˈfriː.kwənt/

adjective

Happening often

Example: I am a frequent visitor.

frequently

/ˈfriː.kwənt.li/

adverb

Happening often

Example: She frequently travels.

infrequent

/ɪnˈfriː.kwənt/

adjective

Not happening often

Example: This is an infrequent event.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Frequency starts with 'fre' and ends with 'cy' sound.

Frequent ends with a 'kwənt' sound.

Frequently adds a 'li' sound after 'kwənt'.

Pro Tips

Focus on the 'kw' sound

Practice the 'kw' sound separately to improve clarity.

Emphasize the initial 'fre'

Ensure the stress is strong on the first syllable.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Frequency

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