How to Pronounce Can

To pronounce "can", say CAN — one syllable, IPA /ˈkæn/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

can

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/ˈkæn/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “can”

"can" is a single-syllable word — say it in one clean beat. It rhymes with deadpan and span, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: cann, caen, cahn, cannes — easy to mix up when writing.

What does can mean?

verb

  1. (auxiliary verb, defective) To know how to; to be able to.

    “She can speak English, French, and German.   I can play football.   Can you remember your fifth birthday?”

  2. (modal auxiliary verb, defective) May; to be permitted or enabled to.

    “You can go outside and play when you're finished with your homework.   Can I use your pen?”

Synonyms

be able tocognizegrokkenmay

Antonyms

can'tcannotcan’t

Words that rhyme with can

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

deadpanspandivanclanmanpanfanqueancaravancatamaranharmattantran

Related words

fundamentmaymightfacilitygetprivysternbehind

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "can"?▾

"Can" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "can"?▾

The IPA transcription of "can" is /ˈkæn/.

What does "can" mean?▾

Can: (auxiliary verb, defective) To know how to; to be able to.

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