precious怎么读英语

What is "precious" and how do you pronounce it correctly in English?

Precious is a common English word that is often used to describe something that is valuable or important. This can refer to physical objects such as jewelry, precious metals, or gemstones, as well as intangible things like relationships or memories. Precious can also be used to describe a person or a pet that someone cares deeply about.

How to pronounce "precious"

The correct pronunciation of "precious" in English is PRESH-us. The emphasis is on the first syllable, and the second syllable is pronounced quickly and lightly.

To break it down further, the "pre" sound is pronounced like "PRESH," with a short e sound like in the word "bet." The "ci" sound is pronounced like "SHUSS," with a short u sound like in the word "bus." Finally, the "ous" ending is pronounced like "us," with a short u sound and no emphasis.

Common mispronunciations of "precious"

One common mispronunciation of "precious" is PREE-shuss, with the emphasis on the second syllable instead of the first. Another mistake is to pronounce the "ci" sound like "kay" instead of "shu." This can result in something like PREE-kay-us or PREE-say-us.

It's important to note that mispronouncing "precious" may not necessarily prevent you from being understood by native English speakers, but it can make it clear that English is not your first language.

Examples of how to use "precious"

Here are some examples of how "precious" can be used in a sentence:

• He gave her a precious diamond ring for their anniversary.
• The couple's precious memories together were captured in a photo album.
• Her dog was her most precious possession.
• Time with family is precious and should be cherished.

Other meanings of "precious"

Besides its use as an adjective, "precious" can also be used as an adverb to suggest that something is done in a painstaking, delicate, or finicky way. For example:

• She held the fragile vase precious, afraid it might break.
• He worked on his writing with precious attention to detail.

Another meaning of "precious" is to suggest ironic or sarcastic praise, such as calling a rude or annoying person "precious." This usage is less common than the other two meanings and is typically reserved for informal or humorous situations.

Conclusion

Precious is a versatile and commonly used English word that can refer to both physical and intangible things that are considered valuable or important. It's important to pronounce it correctly as PRESH-us with the emphasis on the first syllable to sound like a native English speaker. By understanding and correctly using words like "precious," you can improve your English language skills and communicate more effectively with others.