How to Pronounce Chess

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

chess

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/t͡ʃɛs/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “chess”

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

Sounds exactly like: ches — easy to mix up when writing.

What does chess mean?

noun

  1. A board game for two players with each beginning with sixteen chess pieces moving according to fixed rules across a chessboard with the objective to checkmate the opposing king.

Hear “chess” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with chess

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

nonethelessneverthelesscoalescedistressacquiesceaddresscaressassessprocessegressexpressfinesse

Related words

cheatchessboardcheckgamefailedfailurepoorlybad

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "chess"?▾

"Chess" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "chess"?▾

The IPA transcription of "chess" is /t͡ʃɛs/.

What does "chess" mean?▾

Chess: A board game for two players with each beginning with sixteen chess pieces moving according to fixed rules across a chessboard with the objective to checkmate the opposing king.

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