How to Pronounce Hem

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

hem

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/hɛm/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “hem”

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

Sounds exactly like: hemm, hemme — easy to mix up when writing.

What does hem mean?

noun

  1. An utterance or sound of the voice like "hem", often indicative of hesitation or doubt, sometimes used to call attention.

verb

  1. To make the sound expressed by the word hem; to hesitate in speaking.

interjection

  1. Used to fill in the gap of a pause with a vocalized sound.

Words that rhyme with hem

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

mayhemcondemnstemdiademgemfemmeclemremlemchemdjembegemme

Related words

downturndeclineretrenchmentedgebordermarginskirtpurfle

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "hem"?▾

"Hem" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "hem"?▾

The IPA transcription of "hem" is /hɛm/.

What does "hem" mean?▾

Hem: An utterance or sound of the voice like "hem", often indicative of hesitation or doubt, sometimes used to call attention.

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