English pronunciation · Words Starting with F
First Pronunciation
First is pronounced FURST, IPA /ˈfɝst/.
FURST
US /ˈfɝst/ · UK /ˈfɜːst/
Syllables: FURST (1 syllable)
adjective, adverb and noun: Coming before all others in order, time or importance.
Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.
First in a Sentence
- This is the first time I have been to Porto.
- Finish the washing up first, then we can go.
- She came first in both races.
Common Mispronunciations of First
Not FEEST
Two things go missing at once: the r, and the vowel that goes with it. The ir is the ur of fur, and the r is audible in American speech.
Not FUH-rist
Resist the urge to split the cluster. Rst runs together in a single beat, which is awkward at first but takes no extra vowel.
Tip: Say fur, then add st: FURST.
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