How to Pronounce Ken

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

ken

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

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1

Syllable

3

Letters

/kɛn/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “ken”

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

Sounds exactly like: kehn, kehne, kenn — easy to mix up when writing.

What does ken mean?

verb

  1. To give birth, conceive, beget, be born; to develop (as a fetus); to nourish, sustain (as life).

Hear “ken” 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 ken

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

denphrengrenhenagainpenamenfenzenbenmengen

Related words

cognizancecoombekeenefathomkinkeengangang

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "ken"?▾

"Ken" has one syllable.

What is the IPA transcription of "ken"?▾

The IPA transcription of "ken" is /kɛn/.

What does "ken" mean?▾

Ken: To give birth, conceive, beget, be born; to develop (as a fetus); to nourish, sustain (as life).

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