How to pronounce cute

Harrison Clayton February 6, 2024 7

In today’s English lesson, we will be learning how to correctly pronounce the word “cute”. This four-letter word is often used to describe something or someone adorable, charming, or endearing. However, its pronunciation can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially for non-native English speakers.

Let’s break down the pronunciation of “cute” step by step. The first sound in “cute” is the ‘k’ sound. To produce this sound, press the back of your tongue against the soft part of your mouth and release it abruptly.

The second letter in “cute” is the ‘yoo’ vowel sound. This sound is made by forming a smile with your lips and raising the back of your tongue towards the roof of your mouth. It is similar to the sound you make when pronouncing the letter ‘u’.

The final sound in “cute” is the ‘t’ sound. To pronounce the ‘t’ sound, place the tip of your tongue just behind your top front teeth and release it with a slight burst of air. Be careful not to pronounce it as a ‘ch’ sound.

Now, let’s put all the sounds together to pronounce “cute” correctly: start with the ‘k’ sound, then glide into the ‘yoo’ sound, and finally, end with the ‘t’ sound. Remember to move your mouth and lips smoothly between each sound to achieve a clear and natural pronunciation.

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Steps to pronounce cute correctly:

Step 1: Start by pronouncing the initial “c” sound, which is a voiceless “k” sound in English.

Step 2: Then, move on to pronounce the “u” sound, which is a long sound made by rounding your lips and making a slightly relaxed “oo” sound.

Step 3: Next, transition smoothly to pronounce the final “t” sound by lightly pressing the tip of your tongue against the alveolar ridge, just behind your upper teeth, and releasing it with a quick puff of air.

Note: Be careful not to pronounce the “e” at the end of the word “cute,” as it isn’t typically pronounced in English. The focus is on the nasal sound [juː] created by the combination of “u” and “t.”

If you’re still having trouble, remember that a good way to improve your pronunciation is to listen to native speakers and practice imitating their intonation and sounds.

Understand the meaning of cute

The word “cute” is an adjective that is commonly used to describe something or someone that is attractive, endearing or visually appealing. It is often associated with things that are small or have a charming appearance. However, the meaning and interpretation of “cute” can vary depending on the context and the individual’s perspective.

1. Appearance

One of the most common associations with cuteness is a visually pleasing or adorable appearance. When describing a person or animal as cute, it often refers to their physical features, such as soft or expressive eyes, round cheeks, or a sweet smile.

2. Behavior

Cuteness can also be used to describe someone’s behavior or actions that are innocent, charming or endearing. For example, a child giving a heartfelt hug or a pet performing a funny trick can be considered cute because they are displaying affection or amusement.

3. Emotional Response

Another aspect of cuteness is the emotional response it evokes. Seeing or experiencing something cute often triggers positive feelings such as joy, delight, or tenderness. This emotional reaction can be both immediate and long-lasting, making cute things memorable and enjoyable.

Learn the phonetic pronunciation

When it comes to pronouncing the word “cute,” there is a clear consensus on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. Below you’ll find the correct pronunciation indicated by the IPA symbols, along with an explanation of each sound:

/kju:t/

The first sound, represented by “/” followed by the letter “k”, is the voiceless velar stop. It is produced at the back of the mouth by raising the back of the tongue to contact the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth.

The second sound, shown by “j”, is a consonant sound called a palatal approximant. It is similar to the “y” sound in “yeah.” It is produced with the body of the tongue raised towards the hard palate, creating a narrow gap through which the airflow passes.

Last but not least, we have the sound represented by “:”. This symbol denotes a long vowel sound. To pronounce the long vowel “ee” in the word “cute,” we start by using the tongue to touch the back of the top front teeth while letting the voice escape freely into the mouth.

Taken together, the phonetic pronunciation of “cute” can be described as “kju:t.”

Practice saying cute

Once you’ve learned the correct pronunciation of the word “cute”, it’s important to practice saying it to improve your pronunciation skills. Here are some tips to help you practice:

Repeat aloud: Say the word “cute” out loud multiple times. Pay attention to the correct pronunciation and try to mimic it as closely as possible.
Use it in sentences: Incorporate the word “cute” into different sentences and phrases. This will not only give you more practice, but also help you understand how it is used in context.
Record yourself: Use a recording device or a voice recording app on your phone to record yourself saying the word “cute”. Listen to the recording and compare it to the correct pronunciation.
Listen and repeat: Find audio or video clips that include the word “cute” being pronounced correctly. Listen to the clip multiple times and then try to repeat the pronunciation.