How to Pronounce "circuit"
The correct pronunciation of "circuit" is SUR-kit /ˈsɜːkɪt/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "sir-KWIT" habit for good.
circuit
/ˈsɜːkɪt/A closed loop, such as a path for electric current or a racing track.
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Record yourself saying “circuit” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "sir-KWIT" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying 'sir-KWIT' or 'sir-KYOO-it', trying to voice the 'u' in 'cuit'. | SUR-kit /ˈsɜːkɪt/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | First syllable (SUR). |
How Do You Pronounce "circuit"?
"circuit" is pronounced SUR-kit /ˈsɜːkɪt/. The stress is on the first syllable (SUR). As a noun, it means a closed loop, such as a path for electric current or a racing track.
The 'ui' is a short 'i' (as in 'kit') — SUR-kit, not 'sir-KWIT' or 'sir-KYOO-it'.
Listen for the stressed syllable and copy its rhythm — getting the stress right matters more than any single sound.
Say "circuit" Step by Step
Break the word down, get the stress right, then blend it back together at normal speed. Repeat each step out loud three times.
Break it into syllables
SUR-kit — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
First syllable (SUR). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The 'ui' is a short 'i' (as in 'kit') — SUR-kit, not 'sir-KWIT' or 'sir-KYOO-it'.
Blend and repeat
Now say "circuit" at normal speed: SUR-kit. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "circuit" (2 Minutes, Out Loud)
Say each drill line aloud, slowly first, then at normal speed. On the last drill, use the mic check at the top of this page to test yourself.
kit → kit → SUR-kit
The second syllable is exactly the word 'kit'.
NOT sir-KWIT — SUR-kit
The 'u' is silent; 'cuit' becomes 'kit'.
Say at speed: "Check the circuit."
'sir' then a short 'kit'.
Why "circuit" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Indian speakers pronounce the 'u' the spelling shows, but 'cuit' reduces to a plain 'kit' sound.
Tip: Say SUR (like 'sir') then 'kit' (like the word 'kit'): SUR-kit.
Hear “circuit” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
Check the electrical circuit.
The cars raced around the circuit.
A short circuit caused the fault.
Words Related to "circuit"
Now say it inside a sentence
Getting "circuit" right on its own is the easy part. Pronunciation only sticks in connected speech. Read a passage aloud and get scored on accuracy and pace, word by word — free, no login.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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