English pronunciation · Words Starting with N

Need Pronunciation

Need is pronounced NEED, IPA /ˈnid/.

NEED

US /ˈnid/  ·  UK /ˈniːd/

Syllables: NEED (1 syllable)

verb and noun: To require something, or the state of requiring it.

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Need in a Sentence

  • You need a passport for that flight.
  • There is no need to apologise.
  • We need to leave in ten minutes.

Common Mispronunciations of Need

Not NID

The vowel is long and tense, the ee of green rather than the clipped i of hid. Speakers of languages with only one i sound often land between the two.

Not NEET

The final consonant is a d, with the voice still on. Hardening it to t produces neat.

Tip: Stretch the vowel and finish softly. Knead, the thing you do to dough, sounds exactly the same.

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