How to pronounce "lightning"

lightning

Verb
American
/ˈlaɪtnɪŋ/

Syllable Breakdown

light ning

How natives say lightning

British
/ˈlaɪtnɪŋ/

Syllable Breakdown

light ning

How natives say lightning

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with the 'li' sound, which rhymes with 'eye'.

  • Quickly move to the 't', touching the tongue to the roof of the mouth.

  • End with 'ning', reducing the vowel sound to 'ni-ng'.

Common Mistakes

  • li-tening (light-ning)

  • lie-ten-ing (light-ning)

  • light-en-ing (light-ning)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Step 1 for BrE is same as American

  • Step 2 for BrE is same as American

  • Step 3 for BrE is same as American

common mistakes

  • li-tening (light-ning)

  • lie-ten-ing (light-ning)

  • light-en-ing (light-ning)

FAQ

Why is the 't' so soft?

It merges quickly with the 'n' sound.

Is it 'lightning' or 'lightening'?

'Lightning' is the correct verb here.

How do I avoid saying 'light-ening'?

Practice reducing the second syllable to 'ning'.

Definition

lightning

To cause to become bright or to provide light.

Word Family

light

/laɪt/

noun

Source of illumination

Example: The light is bright.

lighter

/ˈlaɪtər/

noun

Device for lighting

Example: He used a lighter.

lighten

/ˈlaɪtn̩/

verb

To make lighter

Example: Lighten the load.

Key Pronunciation Differences

Pronounced with '-ning' instead of just '-t' as in 'light'.

Ends with '-ning', not '-er' as in 'lighter'.

Includes '-ning' sound unlike 'lighten'.

Pro Tips

Focus on the second syllable

Ensure 'ning' is short and soft.

Practice with similar words

Try 'frightening' for more practice with '-ning'.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Lightning

adjoin

/əˈdʒɔɪn/

apartment

/əˈpɑrt.mənt/

applicable

/ˈæplɪkəbl̩/

arise

/əˈraɪz/

avenue

/ˈæv.ə.nuː/

backstage

/bækˈsteɪdʒ/

bench

/bɛntʃ/

beside

/bɪˈsaɪd/