The pronunciation of Hawaii can be tricky for non-native speakers. The word is often pronounced with a hard “a” sound, as in “hat,” but the correct pronunciation is actually with a softer “a” sound, as in “father.” The stress is also placed on the second syllable, so the word is pronounced “huh-WAH-ee.” This pronunciation is closer to the original Hawaiian pronunciation, which is “Hawai’i.”
There are a few different ways to practice pronouncing Hawaii correctly. One way is to listen to native Hawaiian speakers pronounce the word. Another way is to practice saying the word aloud yourself. You can also try using a pronunciation dictionary or website. With a little practice, you’ll be able to pronounce Hawaii like a pro!
In addition to the standard pronunciation, there are also a few regional variations. In some parts of the United States, the word is pronounced with a hard “i” sound, as in “hit.” In other parts of the world, the word is pronounced with a more guttural sound, as in the German word “ach.” However, the standard pronunciation is the one that is most commonly used and understood.
Emphasize the Correct Syllable
The correct way to pronounce “Hawaii” in English is with the emphasis on the second syllable, “WAH-ee.” Pronouncing it as “huh-WAH-ee” is incorrect.
Tips for Emphasizing the Correct Syllable
- Divide the word into syllables: “WAH” and “ee”.
- Say the first syllable softly and quickly.
- Stress the second syllable by pronouncing it louder and longer.
- Avoid accenting the first syllable.
Pronunciation Guide
| Correct | Incorrect |
|---|---|
| WAH-ee | huh-WAH-ee |
Pronounce the ‘i’ Like ’ee’
The letter ‘i’ in Hawaii is pronounced like the ’ee’ sound in the English word “feet”. This is because the Hawaiian language does not have the ‘i’ sound as we know it in English. When pronouncing Hawaii, make sure to emphasize the ’ee’ sound and avoid pronouncing it like the ‘i’ in the English word “it”.
Tips for Pronouncing the ‘i’
- Think of the ’ee’ sound in the English word “feet”.
- Place your tongue high in your mouth, towards the back of your teeth.
- Round your lips slightly.
- Blow air out of your mouth while making the ’ee’ sound.
- Practice saying the ’ee’ sound multiple times to get the hang of it.
Examples of Pronouncing Hawaii
Here are some examples of how to pronounce Hawaii with the correct ’ee’ sound:
| Example |
|---|
| He-wai-’ee |
| Ha-wai-’ee |
| Ha-va-’ee |
Stress the Last Syllable (Slightly)
The key to pronouncing “Hawaii” correctly is to place a slight emphasis on the last syllable, “i”. This emphasis should be subtle, but noticeable enough to give the word its distinctive Hawaiian pronunciation.
Tips for Emphasizing the Last Syllable
- Break the word down into its syllables: “Ha-wai-i”
- Pronounce the first two syllables with a neutral tone.
- Slightly raise your intonation on the “i” syllable.
- Hold the “i” sound for slightly longer than the previous syllables.
- Keep the emphasis subtle, avoiding over-exaggeration.
| Correct Pronunciation | Incorrect Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| Ha-wai-i | Ha-wai-ee |
| Ha-wai-i | Ha-wai-Ee |
By following these tips, you can pronounce “Hawaii” with the correct and authentic Hawaiian pronunciation, capturing the essence of this beautiful archipelago.
How To Pronounce Hawaii
Hawaii is a beautiful state with a rich history and culture, and it’s no wonder that people from all over the world visit each year. But if you’re planning on visiting Hawaii, you might be wondering how to pronounce the name of the state. Here are a few tips:
- Break the word down into syllables. The word Hawaii is pronounced “hah-wah-ee.” The first syllable is pronounced like the “a” in “cat,” the second syllable is pronounced like the “o” in “go,” and the third syllable is pronounced like the “ee” in “feet.”
- Say the syllables slowly and clearly. Don’t try to rush through the pronunciation. Take your time and say each syllable distinctly.
- Listen to how native Hawaiians pronounce the word. If you can, listen to how native Hawaiians pronounce the word Hawaii. This will help you get the correct pronunciation.
People Also Ask
How do I say Hawaii in Hawaiian?
The Hawaiian word for Hawaii is Hawai’i. The pronunciation of Hawai’i is similar to the pronunciation of Hawaii, but the stress is on the second syllable. The word Hawai’i is pronounced “hah-vy-ee.”
What is the meaning of the word Hawaii?
The word Hawaii means “homeland” or “place of the gods” in the Hawaiian language. The name Hawaii was given to the islands by the early Polynesian settlers who arrived in the islands around 400 AD.
How many islands are in Hawaii?
There are 8 main islands in Hawaii: Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Niihau, and Kahoolawe. There are also 124 smaller islands and atolls that make up the Hawaiian archipelago.