How to pronounce eighty in English
As a non-native English speaker, you may find it challenging to pronounce certain words correctly. One of the numbers that can be tricky to pronounce correctly is eighty. This number can be particularly challenging because it doesn't follow the regular English pronunciation pattern.
What is the correct pronunciation of eighty?
The correct way to pronounce eighty is "AY-tee" or "AY-dee." The first syllable sounds the same as the letter "A" in the English alphabet, and the second syllable sounds like "tee" or "dee".
Keep in mind that the "t" sound in "eighty" is not pronounced as a hard "t" sound. Instead, it is pronounced as a soft "t" sound, similar to the "d" sound. When pronouncing "eighty," be sure to emphasize the first syllable "AY" and the soft "t" or "d" sound in the second syllable.
Why is eighty pronounced differently than other numbers?
The reason why eighty is pronounced differently than other numbers is due to its origin. Eighty comes from the Old English word "eahtatig," which was pronounced with a hard "g" sound. Over time, the pronunciation of the word softened, and the hard "t" sound at the end transformed into a soft "t" or "d" sound.
Other numbers in the English language don't have the same origin as eighty and follow the regular English pronunciation pattern. For example, twenty, thirty, forty, and fifty are all pronounced with a hard "t" sound at the end.
Tips for improving your pronunciation of eighty
If you're struggling to pronounce the word "eighty" correctly, here are some tips to help you improve:
Practice saying the word slowly, emphasizing each syllable.
Listen to how native English speakers pronounce the word.
Record yourself saying the word and compare it to a native English speaker's pronunciation.
Break the word down into smaller parts and practice each syllable separately.
Work on your English pronunciation in general by practicing with different words and sounds.
Remember that improving your pronunciation takes time and practice. With dedication and effort, you can improve your English language skills and confidently say "eighty" like a native speaker!