How to pronounce asking
Say it like AS-king. Asking has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce asking. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- AS
- king
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Asking pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- ASSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- kingKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
American vs British pronunciation of asking
- British speakers use the long "ah" vowel of father where Americans use the "a" of cat.
British respelling: AH-sking.
What does asking mean?
- the verbal act of requesting
Where does asking come from?
From Middle English askinge, askande, from Old English āsciende, from Proto-West Germanic *aiskōndī, present participle of Proto-West Germanic *aiskōn (“to ask”), equivalent to ask + -ing.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying asking
How do you pronounce asking?
Say AS-king. The American pronunciation is /ˈæskɪŋ/. In British English it is /ˈɑːskɪŋ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in asking?
Asking has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AS). Broken into parts: AS · king.
Is asking 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 /ˈɑːskɪŋ/ (AH-sking).