How to pronounce ache
Say it like AYK. Ache is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ache. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AYK
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ache pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AYKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of ache
American and British speakers say ache in essentially the same way: /eɪk/ in the US and /eɪk/ in the UK.
British respelling: AYK.
What does ache mean?
- To suffer pain; to be the source of, or be in, pain, especially continued dull pain; to be distressed.“My feet were aching for days after the marathon.”
- To cause someone or something to suffer pain.
- Continued dull pain, as distinguished from sudden twinges, or spasmodic pain.“You may suffer a minor ache in your side.”
- Emotional suffering causing discomfort and physical pain.
- Rare spelling of aitch.
Where does ache come from?
The verb was originally strong, conjugating for tense like take (e.g.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with ache
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ache.
Questions about saying ache
How do you pronounce ache?
Say AYK. The American pronunciation is /eɪk/. In British English it is /eɪk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ache?
Ache is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: AYK.
Do Americans and Brits say ache the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /eɪk/ and the British form is /eɪk/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.