How To Pronounce Health

Healthy living has become an undeniable part of our daily life. From fitness bloggers to nutritionists we all know the importance of staying healthy. But do we know how to pronounce the word ‘health’ correctly? In this article we will discuss the correct pronunciation of the word ‘health.’

Basic Pronunciation Rules

Let’s start with some basic rules of English pronunciation which apply to the word ‘health’ as well. In English language the letter ‘h’ is not silent it is always pronounced before vowels. Thus when saying ‘health’ make sure to pronounce the ‘h’ sound especially if you’re not a native English speaker.

American English Pronunciation

In American English the word ‘health’ is pronounced as ‘helth.’ The ‘e’ sound in the middle is pronounced as a short ‘e’ as in ‘pet’ or ‘pen.’ The ‘a’ sound is pronounced as a schwa sound which is the most common vowel sound in English.

British English Pronunciation

In British English the word ‘health’ is pronounced as ‘helth’ as well. However the ‘e’ sound in the middle is pronounced as a long ‘e’ sound as in ‘week’ or ‘beak.’ This pronunciation is also called the Received Pronunciation (RP) or BBC English.

Other Variations

English is a diverse language its pronunciation varies from region to region. In some parts of the world you may hear this word pronounced differently. In Australian English the ‘e’ sound in the middle is pronounced as a long ‘e’ same as in British English. However the vowel sound in the first syllable is pronounced more like an ‘eh’ sound.

In New ZealEnglish ‘health’ is pronounced more like ‘hilt’ with the ‘e’ sound represented as a short ‘i’ sound the ‘a’ sound as a short ‘e’ sound.

Conclusion

The correct pronunciation of the word ‘health’ is an essential aspect of clear communication. Whether you’re a native English speaker or learning the language making sure to pronounce this word correctly will help you convey your message clearly. By following the basic pronunciation rules choosing between the American or British English pronunciation you’ll be able to say ‘health’ like a pro.