Proper Pronunciation Guide
zeitgeist
[tsɑ͜it̚ gɑ͜ist]
Tips:
- Pronounce the initial letter “z” as the combination sound /ts/—like the letters “ts” at the end of the word “hats.”
- Pronounce both pairs of the letters “ei” like the name of the letter “i”—/ɑ͜i/.
- Stress the first syllable.
- Stop-but-do-not-explode the first letter “t”—/t̚ /—and release the air on the following consonant /g/, which begins the second syllable.
- Explode the final /t/ quickly and lightly.
Practice Sentence:
It is difficult to define the zeitgeist of America at this time. |
Definition:
(noun) The overall prevailing spirit or mood of a particular time or era (from German: zeit/time and geist/spirit).