How to Pronounce Sure

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

sure

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying sure, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

Syllables

Letters

/ʃoː/

IPA

"sure" has 2 syllables: sur-e. It rhymes with obscure and assure, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: shure, schuur — easy to mix up when writing.

adjective

Physically secure and certain, non-failing, reliable.
“This investment is a sure thing. The bailiff had a sure grip on the prisoner's arm.”
Certain in one's knowledge or belief.
“He was sure she was lying. I am sure of my eventual death. John was acting sure of himself but in truth had doubts.”

adverb

(modal adverb) Without doubt, certainly.
“"Did you kill that bear yourself?" ―"I sure did!"”

interjection

Yes. (Expresses noncommittal agreement or consent.)
“"Do you want me to put this in the garage?" "Sure, go ahead."”
Yes; of course.
“"Could you tell me where the washrooms are?" "Sure, they're in the corner over there."”

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

How many syllables are in "sure"?▾

"Sure" has 2 syllables: sur · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "sure"?▾

The IPA transcription of "sure" is /ʃoː/.

What does "sure" mean?▾

Sure: Physically secure and certain, non-failing, reliable.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?