How to pronounce listen
Say it like LIS-un. Listen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIS).
- LIS
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: The t is silent. Say 'LISS-un' with the stress on the first part.
Listen pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of listen
American and British speakers say listen in essentially the same way: /ˈlɪsən/ in the US and /ˈlɪsən/ in the UK.
British respelling: LIS-un.
What does listen mean?
- To use one's sense of hearing and auditory cognition in an intentional way; to make deliberate use of one's ears; to pay attention to or wait for a specific sound.“Please listen carefully as I explain.”
- To accept advice or obey instruction; to agree or assent.“Listen, the only reason I yelled at you was because I was upset, OK?”
- An instance of listening.“Give the motor a listen and tell me if it sounds off.”
Where does listen come from?
Related to loud and German lauschen.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with listen
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of listen.
Questions about saying listen
How do you pronounce listen?
Say LIS-un. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɪsən/. In British English it is /ˈlɪsən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in listen?
Listen has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LIS). Broken into parts: LIS · un.
Do Americans and Brits say listen the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈlɪsən/ and the British form is /ˈlɪsən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.