How to Pronounce the Days of the Week

In order to pronounce the days of the week clearly and correctly, you should be aware of four pronunciation rules.

1. Syllable stress

Since days of the week are compound nouns, you need to stress (emphasize) the first syllable. This rule applies to most compound nouns.

2. The correct sounds of S

When the letter S is located in the middle or at the end of a word, you’ll often need to pronounce it with a /z/ sound.

3. The interdental Th sound

You need to use a clear interdental Th sound in Thursday.

4.The tapped T sound

You need to use a tapped T sound in Saturday.

Words for practice

Here’s my semi phonetic spelling of the dayz of the week.

1. MONday
2. TUEzday
3. WENzday   (note the dropped syllable)
4. THURzday
5. FRIday
6. SAdurday
7. SUNday
   

Here are two more words that fit into this pattern.

1. WEEKendz
2. WEEKdayz

Listen here

Application of these pronunciation rules

The four rules I describe here will apply to other words in American English.  

• syllable stress
• the sounds of the letter S
• the interdental Th sound
• the tapped T sound

Be aware of these patterns when you listen to native speakers.

Try to apply these rules when you speak.

About the author

Susan Ryan is an accent reduction coach. Contact her with your questions about clear American speech.