English pronunciation · Words Starting with T
Than Pronunciation
Than is pronounced DHAN, IPA /ˈðæn/.
DHAN
US /ˈðæn/ · UK /ˈðən/
Syllables: DHAN (1 syllable)
conjunction and preposition: The word used after a comparative to introduce the thing being compared.
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Two Ways to Say Than
The pronunciation changes with the meaning or the part of speech. The form above is the most common; the others are:
- the weak form, dhuhn, used in running speech: /ðən/
Than in a Sentence
- This route is quicker than the motorway.
- She knows more about engines than I do.
- Nothing costs more than a wasted afternoon.
Common Mispronunciations of Than
Not THAN
Than belongs with this, that and the, where the opening buzzes. Thank and thin take the breathy version, and this word never does.
Not DHEN
Than compares and then sequences. Keeping the flat a of cat on this one is the only thing holding the pair apart in speech.
Tip: In ordinary speech the vowel almost disappears, giving bigger dhuhn ever. The full DHAN is for emphasis.
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