How to pronounce "physics"

physics

Noun
American
/ˈfɪzɪks/

Syllable Breakdown

phys ics

How natives say physics

British
/ˈfɪzɪks/

Syllable Breakdown

phys ics

How natives say physics

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'fih', tongue relaxed, visible vibration of the vocal cords.

  • Then 'zih' with lips open, tongue central, vocal cords vibrate again.

  • End with 'ks', mouth slightly open, release the sound smoothly.

Common Mistakes

  • fi-zicks (fih-zihks)

  • phys-sicks (phys-ics)

  • fisics (phys-ics)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with 'fih', similar to AmE, relaxed tongue, vocal cords vibrate.

  • Then 'zih', similar to AmE, relaxed mouth, vocal cords vibrate.

  • Finish with 'ks', mouth slightly open, soft yet clear release.

common mistakes

  • fi-zicks (fih-zihks)

  • phys-sicks (phys-ics)

  • fisics (phys-ics)

FAQ

Is 'physics' pronounced with a long 'i' sound?

No, it is pronounced with a short 'i', like in 'fit'.

Why does 's' sound like 'z' in 'physics'?

In English, 's' can sound like 'z' when it is between vowels.

Is the 'p' silent in 'physics'?

No, the 'p' is pronounced as an 'f' sound.

Definition

physics

The study of matter and energy.

Word Family

physical

/ˈfɪzɪk(ə)l/

adjective

Relating to the body.

Example: Physical exercise is important.

physicist

/ˈfɪzɪsɪst/

noun

A scientist who studies physics.

Example: Marie Curie was a famous physicist.

physiology

/ˌfɪziˈɒlədʒi/

noun

The study of how living things work.

Example: Physiology is part of biology.

Key Pronunciation Differences

End sound differs in 'physical' vs. 'physics'.

Extra syllable and ending sound differ in 'physicist' vs. 'physics'.

Stress and vowel sound differ in 'physiology' vs. 'physics'.

Pro Tips

Focus on the 'z' sound

Make sure the 's' sounds like 'z' in the middle of the word.

Keep the 'i' short

The 'i' in 'physics' should sound like the 'i' in 'hit'.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Physics

achieve

/əˈtʃiv/

artificial

/ˌɑːrtəˈfɪʃəl/

biotechnology

/ˌbaɪ.oʊ.teɪˈnɑː.lə.dʒi/

challenge

/ˈtʃælɪndʒ/

chemical

/ˈkɛmɪkəl/

chemistry

/ˈkɛmɪstri/

cyberspace

/ˈsaɪbərˌspeɪs/

difference

/ˈdɪfərəns/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

adjoin

abroad

ability

agenda