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How to Pronounce “exhale”

Free audio in American, British, and Australian English.

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American (US)
/ˌɛksˈheɪ̯l/
British (UK)
/ˌɛksˈheɪ̯l/

verb — To expel air from the lungs through the nose or mouth by action of the diaphragm, to breathe out.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˌɛksˈheɪ̯l/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “exhale” is not pronounced.

Where the stress falls. “exhale” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˌɛksˈheɪ̯l/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

What does "exhale" mean?

exhale (verb): To expel air from the lungs through the nose or mouth by action of the diaphragm, to breathe out.

How do you pronounce "exhale" in American vs British English?

Both accents use the same sequence of phonemes for "exhale", /ˌɛksˈheɪ̯l/, so the difference you hear is in how the vowels are coloured rather than in which sounds are used. Play both on this page to compare.

What is the IPA transcription of "exhale"?

/ˌɛksˈheɪ̯l/ in American English, /ˌɛksˈheɪ̯l/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "exhale"?

“exhale” has 2 syllables, and the transcription /ˌɛksˈheɪ̯l/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

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