How to pronounce "transition"

transition

Noun
American
/trænˈzɪʃən/

Syllable Breakdown

tran si tion

How natives say transition

British
/trænˈzɪʃ(ə)n/

Syllable Breakdown

tran si tion

How natives say transition

Pronunciation Guide In American

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with a soft 'tr' sound, like in 'train'.

  • The 'a' is like 'a' in 'cat'.

  • Emphasize the 'zi' part, like in 'decision'.

  • End with 'tion', pronounced 'shun'.

Common Mistakes

  • trah-si-tion (incorrect 'a' sound)

  • tran-sigh-chun (incorrect 'zi' and 'tion')

  • ter-ann-si-shun (incorrect syllable stress)

Pronunciation Guide In British

Pronunciation Steps

  • Start with a soft 'tr' sound, similar to 'train'.

  • The 'a' is similar to 'a' in 'cat'.

  • Emphasize the 'zi' part, as in 'decision'.

  • End with 'tion', pronounced 'shun' with a slightly softer ending.

common mistakes

  • trah-si-tion (incorrect 'a' sound)

  • tran-sigh-chun (incorrect 'zi' and 'tion')

  • ter-ann-si-shun (incorrect syllable stress)

FAQ

Why is the middle syllable stressed?

The 'zi' part is stressed due to its importance in the word.

Why does 'tion' sound like 'shun'?

'Tion' is commonly pronounced as 'shun' in English, like 'station'.

Is there a different 'a' sound in different accents?

The 'a' sound is generally the same in both American and British English here.

Definition

transition

A change from one state, stage, or place to another.

Word Family

transitional

/trænˈzɪʃənl/

adjective

Related to a change or process of change

Example: This is a transitional period.

transit

/ˈtrænzɪt/

noun

The act of passing over or through

Example: The package is in transit.

transform

/trænsˈfɔːrm/

verb

To change in form or appearance

Example: Butterflies transform from caterpillars.

Key Pronunciation Differences

'Transition' has an additional syllable compared to 'transit'.

Different stress on 'transitional' compared to 'transition'.

'Transform' starts with the same 'trans' sound but has a different ending.

Pro Tips

Focus on Syllable Stress

In 'transition', emphasize the second syllable to pronounce it clearly.

Practice 'tion' Sound

The 'tion' ending, pronounced 'shun', is common in English. Practice with 'nation', 'station'.

Nearby Words

Test Your Pronunciation On Words That Have Sound Similarities With Transition

abroad

/əˈbrɔd/

accelerate

/əkˈsɛləˌreɪt/

accident

/ˈæksɪdənt/

accommodate

/əˈkɑːməˌdeɪt/

accompany

/əˈkʌmpəni/

accomplish

/əˈkɑːm.plɪʃ/

afford

/əˈfɔrd/

airline

/ˈɛrˌlaɪn/

Other Categories

Test Your Pronunciation On Words Within Other Categories

adjoin

ability

agenda