How to pronounce hearken
Say it like HAR-kun. Hearken has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce hearken. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HAR
- kun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hearken pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- kunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of hearken
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: HAH-kun.
What does hearken mean?
- To hear (something) with attention; to have regard to (something).
- To listen; to attend or give heed to what is uttered; to hear with attention, compliance, or obedience.
Where does hearken come from?
The spelling of the English word was probably influenced by hear; a similarly analogical pronunciation existed in Early Modern English.
Words that rhyme with hearken
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of hearken.
Questions about saying hearken
How do you pronounce hearken?
Say HAR-kun. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɑrkən/. In British English it is /ˈhɑːkən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hearken?
Hearken has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HAR). Broken into parts: HAR · kun.
Is hearken pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈhɑːkən/ (HAH-kun).