How to Pronounce Listen

To pronounce "listen", say LIST-en — 2 syllables, IPA /ˈlɪs.ən/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

listen

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

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Syllables

Letters

/ˈlɪs.ən/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “listen”

"listen" has 2 syllables: list-en. It rhymes with glisten and christen, if that helps it stick.

What does listen mean?

noun

An instance of listening.
“Give the motor a listen and tell me if it sounds off.”

verb

To pay attention to a sound or speech.
“Please listen carefully as I explain. I like to listen to music.”
To expect or wait for a sound, such as a signal.
“You should listen for the starting gun.”

Synonyms

play agree assent hearken mind obey anticipate await expect

Antonyms

disobey disregard ignore

Hear “listen” 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 listen

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

glisten christen rechristen bissen dison grisson thissen bisson

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "listen"?▾

"Listen" has 2 syllables: list · en.

What is the IPA transcription of "listen"?▾

The IPA transcription of "listen" is /ˈlɪs.ən/.

What does "listen" mean?▾

Listen: An instance of listening.

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