Proper Pronunciation Guide

zeitgeist

[tsɑ͜i 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).

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