How do you pronounce "explain"?

In American English: /ɪkˈspleɪn/ (ik-SPLAYN). In British English: /ɪksplˈeɪn/ (ikspl-AYN). In Canadian English: /ɪkˈspleɪn/ (ik-SPLAYN). In Australian English: /ɛksplˈeɪn/ (ehkspl-AYN).

Is "explain" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ɪkˈspleɪn/ (ik-SPLAYN), while in British English it's /ɪksplˈeɪn/ (ikspl-AYN).

How to Pronounce "explain"

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explain

/ɪkˈspleɪn/

ik-SPLAYN

Syllable Breakdown

ɪkex·spleɪnplain

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14