How to Pronounce What in English: A Quick Guide

How to Pronounce What can be a tricky challenge, especially when it seems like everyone else has it figured out! If you’ve ever stumbled over a word or second-guessed how to say something, you’re not alone. Getting pronunciation right isn’t just about sounding smart – it’s about building confidence in your communication.

In this article, you’ll learn simple tips and tricks to master tricky pronunciations once and for all. Whether you’re navigating complex words or just want to sound more polished, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and make sure you’re saying it right every time!

Understanding the Basics of “What” Pronunciation

Why Pronunciation Matters

Pronunciation isn’t just about how we say words; it’s an essential part of clear communication. A slight difference in how a word sounds can change the meaning of a sentence or even lead to misunderstandings. Whether you’re speaking with native English speakers or engaging in global conversations, clear pronunciation boosts your confidence and helps you sound natural.

The Phonetic Breakdown of “What”

Let’s first break down the pronunciation of what. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), what is typically transcribed as:

• /wɒt/ (in British English)
• /wʌt/ (in American English)

Here’s the breakdown:

• /w/: A voiced labio-velar glide. This means you push air through your lips and glide into the next sound.
• /ɒ/ or /ʌ/: Vowel sounds. British English uses the “short o” sound (as in cot), while American English uses the “short u” sound (as in cup).
• /t/: The final consonant is a hard “t,” but in some dialects, it might be dropped or softened.

Now, let’s dive into how these sounds change across different English accents.

How to Pronounce “What” in British and American English

British English Pronunciation of “What”

In British English, especially in Received Pronunciation (RP), what is pronounced with a clear /wɒt/ sound. Here are some key characteristics:

• Vowel Sound: The vowel sound /ɒ/ is pronounced like the “o” in pot. This gives the word a rounded, fuller sound.
• Articulation: The “t” is clearly pronounced, making the word sharp and crisp.
• Example: “What is that?” in British English would sound like: wɒt ɪz ðæt.

American English Pronunciation of “What”

In American English, particularly General American English, what is often pronounced as /wʌt/. Here’s what makes it different:

• Vowel Sound: The vowel sound /ʌ/ is pronounced like the “u” in cup. It’s a more neutral, less rounded sound than in British English.
• Articulation: The “t” sound is often softened in casual speech, especially in fast-paced conversations. You might even hear it as a flap [ɾ], which sounds more like a quick “d.”
• Example: “What time is it?” in American English would sound like: wʌt taɪm ɪz ɪt.

Teaching “What” in the Classroom: A Practical Approach

How I Break Down “What” for My Students

Teaching pronunciation can be challenging, especially with words like what, where accents and regional variations make a big difference. In my classroom, I focus on these key strategies:

• Phonetic Transcription: I introduce students to the IPA transcription of words like what. This visual representation helps students understand exactly how to position their mouths for each sound.
• Slow Practice: We start by saying the word slowly, breaking it down into individual sounds: /w/ – /ɒ/ (or /ʌ/) – /t/. Gradually, we speed up the pronunciation as they become more comfortable.
• Recording and Playback: I encourage students to record their pronunciation and compare it with native speakers, so they can hear where they need improvement.

Classroom Activities to Practice Pronunciation

Here are some activities I use to reinforce the correct pronunciation of what:

1. Minimal Pairs Practice: I use pairs of words that are similar to what but differ slightly in pronunciation. For example: what vs. watt, what vs. wet.
2. Shadowing: Students listen to native speakers and repeat after them, mimicking the rhythm, intonation, and pronunciation of what.
3. Pronunciation Games: We play games where students identify and correct pronunciation mistakes, making learning fun and engaging.

Common Mistakes When Pronouncing “What”

Pronunciation errors are common, especially with a word as tricky as what. Here are some of the most frequent mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Overemphasizing the “h”: In some languages, you might be used to pronouncing an exaggerated “h” sound at the beginning of a word. In English, what does not have an audible “h” sound. Focus on the “w” instead.
• Dropping the “t”: In rapid speech, especially in American English, the “t” at the end of what may be dropped or softened. However, in formal speech, it should be clearly articulated.
• Confusing “What” with Other Words: Many learners confuse what with words like which, especially in questions. While both are used for asking questions, which refers to a choice from a defined set, while what asks about something more general.

Regional Variations in Pronouncing “What”

How Accents Affect Pronunciation

English is spoken across the globe, and each region has its own unique pronunciation of what. Here are a few notable variations:

• Australian English: In Australia, what is often pronounced as /wɒt/ (like in British English), but the intonation might be different, with a rising pitch at the end of a question.
• Indian English: In Indian English, the vowel sound /ʌ/ may be pronounced more like /ɑ/, making what sound a bit more like /wɑt/.
• Scottish English: In some Scottish accents, the pronunciation of what might include a slightly rolled “r” in certain words and softer vowel sounds.

Examples of Regional Pronunciations:

Region	Pronunciation of “What”
British English	/wɒt/
American English	/wʌt/
Australian English	/wɒt/
Indian English	/wɑt/
Scottish English	/wʌt/

Etymology of “What”

Understanding the origins of a word can often illuminate its pronunciation and usage. What comes from the Old English word hwæt, which is found in the epic poem Beowulf. The pronunciation of this word has changed over centuries, as English evolved from Old English into Middle and Modern English.

From Old English to Modern Usage

• Old English: Hwæt (pronounced something like “hwæt”), used to mean “what” in its interrogative form.
• Middle English: The pronunciation started to evolve, and by the time of Early Modern English, the pronunciation had shifted closer to the forms we recognize today.

While the spelling has remained fairly consistent, pronunciation has adapted with the changing structure of the English language.

Common Situations to Use “What” in English

In Questions

What is commonly used in questions to ask about things, actions, or ideas:

• What is your name?
• What time is it?
• What do you want for lunch?

As a Pronoun and Determiner

What is also used as a pronoun or determiner in sentences:

• What happened? (Pronoun)
• What book are you reading? (Determiner)

It is crucial to understand the role what plays in a sentence to use it correctly.

Synonyms and Alternatives for “What”

While what is a versatile word, there are alternatives you can use depending on the context:

• Which: Used when referring to a specific set of options, e.g., Which one do you want?
• That: Used to identify or define something, e.g., That’s what I was looking for.

However, the meaning of what is often broader, and its use is more general compared to which or that.

How to Spell “What” Correctly

Spelling what is relatively simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes when learning English. Here’s a quick tip to remember its spelling:

• W-H-A-T: Always ensure the “t” is included. Some learners accidentally drop the “t” when writing quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About “What” Pronunciation

Should I Pronounce “What” with a Hard “T”?

In formal speech, the “t” sound at the end of what should be pronounced clearly. In informal or casual speech, however, especially in American English, the “t” might be softened or dropped entirely.

Is There a Difference Between “What” and “That” Pronunciation?

Yes, what and that have distinct pronunciations:

• What: Pronounced with a clearer /wɒt/ or /wʌt/ sound.
• That: The “th” is pronounced as a voiced dental fricative /ð/ (like in this).

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Pronunciation of “What”

Mastering the pronunciation of what is a small but crucial step toward speaking English more fluently and confidently. With regular practice and attention to regional accents and dialect variations, you can perfect your pronunciation of this commonly used word.

Remember: The key to fluency in English isn’t just vocabulary but clear and consistent pronunciation. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be pronouncing what like a native speaker.