How to pronounce often
Say it like AW-fun. Often has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AW).
- AW
- fun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Both 'OFF-en' and 'OFF-ten' are accepted. The silent t is the older, more common form.
Often pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- AWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- funKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of often
American and British speakers say often in essentially the same way: /ˈɔfən/ in the US and /ˈɒfən/ in the UK.
British respelling: OF-un.
What does often mean?
- Frequently; many times on different occasions.“I often walk to work when the weather is nice.”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- oftentimes
- typically
- frequently
- oft
- ofttimes
- much
- a great deal
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying often
How do you pronounce often?
Say AW-fun. The American pronunciation is /ˈɔfən/. In British English it is /ˈɒfən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in often?
Often has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (AW). Broken into parts: AW · fun.
Do Americans and Brits say often the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈɔfən/ and the British form is /ˈɒfən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.