How to pronounce Borrow

Phonetic Spelling:

ˈbɑroʊ – pronounced as bar-oh

Video: How to say "Borrow" correctly

Understanding the meanings of Borrow.

  • To take and use (something that belongs to someone else) with the intention of returning it
  • To use (something that belongs to someone else) for a period of time before returning it
  • To take and use (money) from a person, bank, etc., with the intention of returning it
  • To adopt (an idea or a way of behaving) as one's own
  • To lend (something, such as a word) from one language into another

Use Borrow in a complete sentence:

  • Can I borrow your pen for a moment?
  • I need to borrow some money to pay my bills.
  • She decided to borrow his jacket for the party.
  • He tends to borrow phrases from his favorite TV show.
  • The library allows students to borrow books for a set period of time.

Words close in sound to Borrow:

Barrow, Burrow, Sorrow, Narrow, Borough, Sparrow, Tomorrow, Marrow, Arrow, Furrow,

Synonyms for Borrow

Lend, Take, Use, Obtain, Appropriate, Acquire, Rent, Utilize, Get, Procure,

Antonyms for Borrow

Return, Give, Reimburse, Repay, Surrender, Yield, Forfeit, Keep, Retain, Hold,

Review Borrow
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Ways you can pronounce English words more accurately

Here are a few things to know that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Borrow‘:

  • Try to Break ‘Borrow’ down into each vowel, speak it aloud whilst exaggerating each sound until you can consistently say it without making a mistake.
  • Record ‘Borrow‘ in full sentences then listen back. You should be able to find any of your flaws quite easily.
  • Find more tutorials on Youtube for how to pronounce ‘Borrow‘ correctly.
  • Choose one accent: when you mix multiple accents, it could confuse people, especially for beginners. So select just one accent, perhaps US and stick to it.


More tips\techniques to improve your English accent and pronunciation, it’s advised to embrace these techniques:

Practicing speech contraction in speech is standard in the U.S. and is viewed as a regular element of casual conversation. For instance, altering “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is widely accepted. Look into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for additional insights.

Working on your intonation is vital for English fluency. The patterns of stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are crucial in conveying your intended message and emotions. Many resources and videos on Youtube can assist you in learning these components to pronounce ‘Borrow’.

Engage with multiple Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer no-cost resources that tackle important language skills. Pronounce.tv is one more outstanding source for honing your pronunciation.

Mimicking native speakers can significantly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they say ‘Borrow’ and attempt to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it habitual.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily routine. Getting to know and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you improve your pronunciation of challenging words.

Consistently speak English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more adept you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, boosting your overall ability to communicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the meaning of the word borrow?

The word “borrow” is a verb that means to obtain or receive something, such as money or an item, on loan for temporary use with the intention of returning it to the lender. It involves taking something with the understanding that it will be given back in the same condition or with something equivalent in return. Additionally, “borrow” can also refer to adopting ideas, words, or concepts from another source and incorporating them into one’s own work or speech. In this context, it means appropriating or using something that belongs to someone else temporarily. Overall, the concept of borrowing involves temporary acquisition or adoption with the expectation of returning or replacing what was taken.

What is the typical pronunciation of ‘borrow’ in Canadian English?

In Canadian English, the typical pronunciation of ‘borrow’ is similar to the American English pronunciation. The word is usually pronounced with a short ‘o’ sound, like in the word ‘sorrow’ or ‘tomorrow’. The ‘r’ sound in ‘borrow’ is also pronounced, unlike in some British English accents where the ‘r’ is not pronounced. Overall, the pronunciation of ‘borrow’ in Canadian English is clear and straightforward, with emphasis on the first syllable.

How is the word ‘borrow’ pronounced in Australian English?

In Australian English, the word ‘borrow’ is typically pronounced with the first syllable sounding like “baw” as in “saw” and the second syllable sounding like “row” as in “row your boat.” So, the pronunciation is similar to “BOR-row,” with the stress on the first syllable. Australian English tends to have a more relaxed and open pronunciation compared to some other English dialects, so the ‘o’ sound in ‘borrow’ may be slightly elongated or drawn out. Overall, the pronunciation of ‘borrow’ in Australian English is distinct and may vary slightly depending on the region or accent of the speaker.

What are the different ways to pronounce ‘borrow’ in American English?

In American English, the word “borrow” can be pronounced in two main ways: with either two syllables or one syllable. The most common pronunciation is with two syllables, where the first syllable is stressed and sounds like “BAH-roh,” with a clear “ah” sound in the first syllable. However, in some regions and dialects, particularly in the southern United States, the word is pronounced with just one syllable, sounding more like “BOR-oh” or even “BOR.” This one-syllable pronunciation is more informal and less common but is still widely understood. Ultimately, both pronunciations are considered acceptable in American English, and the choice between them may depend on regional variations or personal preference.

In what dialect is the pronunciation of ‘borrow’ different than in standard English?

The pronunciation of ‘borrow’ can vary in different English dialects, with one notable example being the Cockney dialect spoken in London, England. In Cockney, the pronunciation of ‘borrow’ may sound more like “barra” or “barraow” due to the dropping of the ‘w’ sound at the end of the word. This change in pronunciation is a characteristic of the Cockney accent, which is known for its unique phonological features such as th-fronting and h-dropping. It’s important to note that dialects can vary widely within regions and even within communities, so the pronunciation of ‘borrow’ may differ in other English dialects as well.

How do Americans say borrow?

In American English, the word “borrow” is typically pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable, sounding like “BOR-row.” The “o” in the first syllable is pronounced as a short vowel sound, similar to the “o” in the word “sorrow.” The second syllable is unstressed and pronounced quickly. This pronunciation is common across different regions of the United States, although there may be slight variations in accent or intonation. It is important to note that pronunciation can vary based on individual accents and dialects within the United States.

Can you explain the correct pronunciation of ‘borrow’?

The correct pronunciation of “borrow” is /ˈbɑroʊ/. This word is pronounced with two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable. The first syllable is pronounced like the word “bar,” with an “o” sound as in “pot.” The second syllable is pronounced like “row,” with an “o” sound as in “go.” It is important to note that the “w” in “borrow” is silent, so the word is not pronounced with a “w” sound at the end. Remember, English pronunciation can vary depending on accents and regional dialects, but this is the standard pronunciation of “borrow.”

Are there any regional variations in the pronunciation of ‘borrow’?

Yes, there are regional variations in the pronunciation of the word “borrow.” In American English, the most common pronunciation is /ˈbɑroʊ/, with a long “o” sound. However, in some regions of the United States, particularly in the South and parts of the Midwest, you may hear it pronounced with a short “o” sound, like /ˈbɑrə/. In British English, the pronunciation is typically /ˈbɒrəʊ/, with a short “o” sound. Additionally, within the UK, there are further regional variations in pronunciation. Overall, pronunciation can vary based on dialect, accent, and regional influences, leading to differences in how the word “borrow” is pronounced across different English-speaking regions.

How do you say borrow in British?

In British English, the word “borrow” is pronounced as “bor-row,” with the emphasis on the first syllable. To pronounce it correctly, break the word down into two syllables: “bor” and “row.” The first syllable is pronounced like the word “bore,” and the second syllable rhymes with “row.” When saying the word, make sure to emphasize the first syllable and pronounce the “r” sound clearly. Practicing saying the word out loud and breaking it down into its individual sounds can help you master the correct pronunciation in British English.

What does borrow me mean?

“Borrow me” is not a commonly used phrase in English. It seems to be a grammatically incorrect or non-standard expression. The correct phrase would be “borrow from me” or “lend to me.” To borrow means to take and use something that belongs to someone else for a period of time with the intention of returning it. The person who lends something owns it and allows someone else to use it temporarily. On the other hand, the person who borrows something does not own it and is expected to return it after using it.

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