How do you pronounce "special"?

In American English: /ˈspɛʃəl/ (SPEHSH-uhl). In British English: /spˈɛʃəl/ (SP-ehsh). In Canadian English: /ˈspɛʃəl/ (SPEHSH-uhl). In Australian English: /spˈɛʃəl/ (SP-ehsh).

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

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈspɛʃəl/ (SPEHSH-uhl), while in British English it's /spˈɛʃəl/ (SP-ehsh).

How to Pronounce "special"

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special

/ˈspɛʃəl/

SPEHSH-uhl

Syllable Breakdown

spɛʃspe·əlcial

Source

90%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14