English pronunciation · Words Starting with M
May Pronunciation
May is pronounced MAY, IPA /ˈmeɪ/.
MAY
US /ˈmeɪ/ · UK /ˈmeɪ/
Syllables: MAY (1 syllable)
modal verb and proper noun: Used to say that something is possible or permitted, and also the name of the fifth month.
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May in a Sentence
- It may rain later, so take the umbrella.
- May I borrow your pen for a second?
- We are moving house in May.
Common Mispronunciations of May
Not MY
The ay spelling gives the vowel of day, never the long i of mine. That single vowel is all that separates may from the name Mai.
Not MEH
Let the vowel glide. It starts near the e of bed and rises towards ee, and cutting the movement short leaves the word sounding clipped.
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