Seven

In General American, say SEN-ven with primary stress on the first syllable. IPA: /ˈsɛvən/. Start with an open, mid-front vowel /ɛ/ as in 'bed,' then a clear /v/ sound, followed by a softened /ən/ in the second syllable. In casual speech, the second vowel may reduce slightly to a schwa, but keep the /v/ prominent. You can listen to native examples on pronunciation dictionaries for confirmation.

Common errors include misplacing the vowel in the first syllable (pronouncing /siː/ as in 'see') and turning the /v/ into a /w/ or /f/ in rapid speech. Another frequent slip is vowel reduction in the second syllable, producing /ˈsɛvən/ with a stressed second syllable or an unreleased final consonant. Focus on a short, clear /ə/ or schwa and ensure the /v/ is voiced and distinct.

US and UK both typically use /ˈsɛvən/ with a rhotic or non-rhotic r in this word no, there is no r. The main difference is vowel quality: US /ɛ/ as in 'dress' and UK /ɛ/ similarly; Australians often merge /ə/ with a lighter, quicker schwa in the second syllable. In all, stress remains on the first syllable, but vowel length and schwa quality can vary slightly by rhythm and speed.

The challenge lies in the quick transition from the avowed vowel /ɛ/ to the /v/ and then a reduced /ən/ without a strong vowel in the final syllable. The sequence /vən/ can become softer or elided in rapid speech, causing confusion with similar words like 'seventy' or 'eleven.' Maintaining clear /v/ articulation and a stable schwa helps avoid ambiguity and ensures crisp secondary syllable reduction.

A notable feature is maintaining lexical stress on the first syllable even when the word is part of a longer phrase (e.g., 'seven of them'). The second syllable often reduces to a schwa, but you should still articulate the /v/ and keep the /n/ clear to avoid l VM blending with adjacent words. This helps preserve contrast with similar numbers like 'seventy' while keeping natural rhythm.