How to Pronounce Safe

To pronounce "safe", say SAF-e — 2 syllables, IPA /seɪf/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

safe

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

/seɪf/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “safe”

"safe" has 2 syllables: saf-e. It rhymes with chafe and unsafe, if that helps it stick.

What does safe mean?

noun

A box, usually made of metal, in which valuables can be locked for safekeeping.
A condom.

verb

To make something safe.

adjective

Not in danger; out of harm's reach.
“You’ll be safe here.”
Free from risk.
“It’s safe to eat this.”

Synonyms

coffer lockbox strongbox cool wicked easy-going lenient merciful tolerant harmless

Antonyms

dangerous harmful harsh intolerant strict unsafe

Hear “safe” 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 safe

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

chafe unsafe strafe rafe failsafe envirosafe grafe lataif raiff scaife waif

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "safe"?▾

"Safe" has 2 syllables: saf · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "safe"?▾

The IPA transcription of "safe" is /seɪf/.

What does "safe" mean?▾

Safe: A box, usually made of metal, in which valuables can be locked for safekeeping.

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