How to pronounce ask
Say it like ASK. Ask is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
- ASK
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: The s comes before the k: 'ask', not 'aks'.
Ask pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ASKSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of ask
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: AHSK.
What does ask mean?
- To request (information, or an answer to a question).“I asked her age.”
- To request or enquire of (a person).“I asked her (for) her age.”
- To request (an item or service) (see also ask for).“to ask for a second helping at dinner”
- An act or instance of asking.
- Something asked or asked for.“I know this is a big ask, but …”
- An asking price.
- An eft; newt.
- A lizard.
Where does ask come from?
From Middle English asken, axen, from Old English āscian, from Proto-West Germanic *aiskōn, from Proto-Indo-European *h₂eys- (“to wish; request”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with ask
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of ask.
Questions about saying ask
How do you pronounce ask?
Say ASK. The American pronunciation is /æsk/. In British English it is /ɑːsk/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in ask?
Ask is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: ASK.
Is ask pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat. The British form is /ɑːsk/ (AHSK).