How to pronounce “headache”
Headache is pronounced /ˈheˌdeɪk/. It has 2 syllables, and the beat falls on the first one — he. Below: the syllable split, native audio in both accents, the mistake people actually make with this word, and every individual sound in it explained.
Syllables and stress
Split it into 2 beats. The highlighted syllable is the strong one: say it louder, longer and a touch higher in pitch, and let the others fall away. English is a stress-timed language, so getting he in the right place matters more to a listener than getting every vowel perfect.
Stress pattern Oō — capital letters mark the stressed beats.
The common mispronunciation of “headache”
✗ Often said: /ˈhiːdætʃ/ — the spelling, read straight off the page.
✓ Actually: /ˈheˌdeɪk/
Why the two come apart: the silent “h” is not pronounced, even though the spelling begs you to say it; also, the silent final “e” (it lengthens the vowel instead) is not pronounced, even though the spelling begs you to say it; also, at least one vowel does not say what its spelling suggests — English vowel letters are not reliable here.
This is why reading English aloud from spelling alone goes wrong so often: the letters of “headache” are not a reliable map of its sounds. The IPA is — each symbol stands for exactly one sound, every time.
“headache” sound by sound
“headache” is built out of 5 sounds. Say each one on its own first, slowly, then run them together at speed. Every sound links to a full guide with mouth position, the mistake learners make with it, and other words that use it.
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hSimply breathe out through an open, relaxed mouth already shaped for the following vowel — there is no tongue or lip contact at all.
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eHold the tongue mid-high and forward with the jaw slightly open and lips relaxed and unrounded.
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dSame tongue position as /t/ — tip on the ridge behind the upper teeth — but voice the sound and release it without aspiration.
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eɪStart at the /e/ position and glide upward and forward toward /ɪ/ — the jaw closes as you say it.
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kRaise the back of the tongue to touch the soft palate, seal the air, then release it with a puff.
Silent letters in “headache”
Letters you write but never say — this is the single biggest reason the word trips people up:
- hThe letter “h”Silent “h” — write it, but do not let it reach your mouth.
- eThe letter “e”Silent final “e” (it lengthens the vowel instead) — write it, but do not let it reach your mouth.
Questions people ask about “headache”
- How do you pronounce “headache”?
- “headache” is pronounced /ˈheˌdeɪk/, with the stress on the first syllable (he). Press the US or UK button above to hear it spoken.
- How many syllables are in “headache”?
- “headache” has 2 syllables: he · deɪk. The stress pattern is Oō.
- What is the common mispronunciation of “headache”?
- People read it off the spelling as /ˈhiːdætʃ/, but it is actually /ˈheˌdeɪk/, because the silent “h” is not pronounced, even though the spelling begs you to say it.
- Does “headache” have any silent letters?
- Yes — silent “h”, and silent final “e” (it lengthens the vowel instead).
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