How to pronounce ahem
Say it like uh-HEM. Ahem has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (HEM).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce ahem. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- uh
- HEM
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Ahem pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- HEMSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of ahem
American and British speakers say ahem in essentially the same way: /əˈhɛm/ in the US and /əˈhɛm/ in the UK.
British respelling: uh-HEM.
What does ahem mean?
- The sound of a quiet cough or of clearing one's throat.
- Demanding attention.“Ahem! Could we please get started?”
- Expresses disapproval or annoyance.“Ahem! In case you didn't notice, I did my share of the work, too.”
- To cough or clear one's throat so as to draw attention.
Where does ahem come from?
Onomatopoeic.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with ahem
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ahem.
Questions about saying ahem
How do you pronounce ahem?
Say uh-HEM. The American pronunciation is /əˈhɛm/. In British English it is /əˈhɛm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ahem?
Ahem has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (HEM). Broken into parts: uh · HEM.
Do Americans and Brits say ahem the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /əˈhɛm/ and the British form is /əˈhɛm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.