How to Pronounce “Tough”
Tough /tʌf/ is an English adjective commonly used to describe something strong, durable, and resilient. It can also refer to a challenging or difficult situation. To correctly pronounce “tough,” follow these guidelines:
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Start with the “t” sound, similar to the “t” in “top.” Touch the tip of your tongue to the back of your top front teeth and release a quick burst of air.
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Move on to the “uh” sound, as in the word “up.” Allow the middle of your tongue to relax, creating a neutral vowel sound.
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Finish with the “f” sound, similar to the one in “fan.” Place your top teeth on your bottom lip and expel air through a small gap.
Remember to pronounce “tough” as a single syllable, unlike other words with similar spellings, such as “toffee” or “toughen.” Practice these steps a few times to master the correct pronunciation.
So, the correct pronunciation of “tough” is /tʌf/.