How to Pronounce Harsh

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

harsh

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Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

5

Letters

/hɑːʃ/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “harsh”

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

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

What does harsh mean?

verb

  1. To negatively criticize.

    “Quit harshing me already, I said that I was sorry!”

  2. To put a damper on (a mood).

    “Dude, you're harshing my buzz.”

adjective

  1. Unpleasantly rough to the touch or other senses.
  2. Severe or cruel.

Synonyms

rough

Antonyms

genteel

Words that rhyme with harsh

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

saltmarshbarshharschbarschkarshlarshmarchemarschmarshwhitmarsh

Related words

brutalroughcrueldisagreeablehardunkindrigorousheavy

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "harsh"?▾

"Harsh" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "harsh"?▾

The IPA transcription of "harsh" is /hɑːʃ/.

What does "harsh" mean?▾

Harsh: To negatively criticize.

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