Learn how to pronounce the words HOUSE & HOUSE with this American English heteronym pronunciation lesson. Heteronyms are words that are spelled exactly the same. They just have a different pronunciation and a different meaning.

Pronunciation:

Noun: hows or /haʊs/

Verb: howz or /haʊz/

Definition:

Noun: a building that serves as living quarters

Verb: to provide living quarters

Transcript:

Hi everyone it’s Jennifer from Tarle speech with your question of the week. Continuing our mini series on heteronyms – words that are spelled the same with different pronunciations and different meanings.

Our words today are:

house which is a building that serves as living quarters and
house which is a verb meaning to provide living quarters

So to say these words correctly they both start exactly the same way. How. To do this you’re going to open your mouth. It’s going to be relaxed for that h sound air just puffs out and then move to the ow by opening and then puckering your lips ow. Your tongue is going to move from the bottom of your mouth to flat in the middle of your mouth.

how how how

For the noun, we’re going to end that with an s. To do this tip of your tongue is either pointed down or behind the top front teeth. Air moves out of your mouth. Your voice box is off. It is not vibrating. It is not moving. For the verb we’re going to end with the z. And do that, all you’re going to do is, your tongue is going to be in the same spot it was for that s, but your voice box is going to be on and moving. Tip here, do not touch your teeth for that z sound. Some of my students do that by accident and then it isn’t correct. So let’s try these:

house house
house house
house house
house house
house house

And now for a sentence:

I am going to build a house to house my dog.
I am going to build a house to house my dog.

Give it a try people are going to notice the difference. If you found this helpful please give us a like, a share, and a subscribe, and head to Tarle speech to check out our products and classes. Thanks everyone have an amazing weekend!