Lessons Unit 0, lesson 1
Read the map: every mark and diacritic
SayNative writes down what English really sounds like — every sound, the strong part of each word, and the letters you should not say. This first lesson shows you how to read those marks. Take your time: everything on this page is playable, so you can hear each mark as you learn it.
How to read your results
Every mark, with an example — press play to hear each one.
ˈriːdread
Stressed part — say it louder & longer.
təto
Weak word — say it quickly & softly.
∅e
Silent letter — don’t pronounce it.
θth
Underline — these letters spell one sound.
wa·ter
Dot · — a syllable break.
go‿on
Linked — blend the words together.
?↗︎↘︎
Arrows — voice rises ↗︎ or falls ↘︎.
ˈsɛvən7
Number — how to say it aloud.
read²
² mark — has a second pronunciation.
guess?
? mark — a best guess; double-check it.
That's the whole map. You don't need to remember everything now — the full guide is always on the sounds page, and each new lesson explains its marks again. Ready for your first sounds?