How to Pronounce ACTUALLY - American English Pronunciation Lesson #learnenglish

Introduction

Welcome to Tarlow Speech! Jennifer here, and today we’ll be discussing the pronunciation of the word “actually.” This word means “in fact” or “really,” and it can sometimes be tricky to pronounce. Let's break down the multiple ways you can say "actually" to help you be understood clearly.

Exploring Pronunciation Options

The word "actually" offers several pronunciation options. Remember, pronunciation is about being understood—not necessarily being perfect. Here are the different ways to pronounce this word:

1. Four-Syllable Version:

   • Start with the sound “ak.” To make this sound, open your mouth wide, forming a circle. Keep your tongue tip low in your mouth, with the back of your tongue pulled up.
   • Say “ack” by pushing air out from your mouth while your tongue tip is down.
   • For the next part, you can choose between "ch" or "sh" sounds:
     • For “ch,” touch the tip of your tongue to the back of your top front teeth and then pull it back as you say “ch,” finishing with a long vowel sound.
     • For “sh,” simply round your lips and allow the air to flow out, not touching your teeth.
   • Conclude with either “alley” or “lee.” The “alley” ending features the schwa sound, where you open your mouth, relax your lips, and let your tongue hang out. The “lee” ending involves touching the tip of your tongue to your teeth and smiling slightly to create the “ee” sound.

   Putting it all together for the four-syllable options gives you either:

   • Actually (AK-choo-lee)
   • Actually (AK-shoo-lee)

2. Three-Syllable Version:

   • For the three-syllable version, the beginning remains the same with “ak.”
   • Use “ch” or “sh,” just like before, followed by the ending of “lee” or “li.”

   This generates the three-syllable options:

   • Actually (AK-choo-lee)
   • Actually (AK-shoo-lee)

Now you have a variety of ways to say the word "actually"! Keep practicing, as I’m sure people will notice the difference.

Keywords

• Actually
• Pronunciation
• American English
• "ak"
• "ch"
• "sh"
• "lee"
• "li"

FAQ

Q1: What does the word "actually" mean?
A: "Actually" means "in fact" or "really."

Q2: How many syllable options are there for the word "actually"?
A: There are both four-syllable and three-syllable options.

Q3: What are the sounds used in pronouncing "actually"?
A: You can use "ch" or "sh" sounds in the pronunciation of "actually."

Q4: Is pronunciation all about being perfect?
A: No, pronunciation is mainly about being understood, not about achieving perfection.

Q5: Where can I find more resources for pronunciation practice?
A: You can check out the Tarlow Speech website, as well as Google Play, iTunes, and Teachers Pay Teachers for helpful products.