How to pronounce special
Say it like SPESH-ul. Special has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPESH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce special. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SPESH
- ul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Special pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SPESHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of special
American and British speakers say special in essentially the same way: /ˈspɛʃəl/ in the US and /ˈspɛʃəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: SPESH-ul.
What does special mean?
- unique or specific to a person or thing or category“the particular demands of the job”“has a particular preference for Chinese art”
- for a special service or occasion“a special correspondent”“a special adviser to the committee”
- surpassing what is common or usual or expected“he paid especial attention to her”“exceptional kindness”
- a special offering (usually temporary and at a reduced price) that is featured in advertising“they are having a special on pork chops”
- a dish or meal given prominence in e.g. a restaurant
- a television production that features a particular person or work or topic“the last of a series of BBC specials on Iran is being shown tonight”
Where does special come from?
From Middle English *special, especial, especiall, from Old French especial (whence also French spécial), from Latin speciālis (from speciēs).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying special
How do you pronounce special?
Say SPESH-ul. The American pronunciation is /ˈspɛʃəl/. In British English it is /ˈspɛʃəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in special?
Special has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SPESH). Broken into parts: SPESH · ul.
Do Americans and Brits say special the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈspɛʃəl/ and the British form is /ˈspɛʃəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.