How to Pronounce "cliché"
The correct pronunciation of "cliché" is KLEE-shay /ˈkliːʃeɪ/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "KLICH" habit for good.
cliché
/ˈkliːʃeɪ/A phrase or idea that has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning.
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Record yourself saying “cliché” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "KLICH" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying "KLICH" or "kli-CHAY" with the hard 'ch' of 'chair'. | KLEE-shay /ˈkliːʃeɪ/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | First syllable (KLEE) in British English. |
How Do You Pronounce "cliché"?
"cliché" is pronounced KLEE-shay /ˈkliːʃeɪ/. The stress is on the first syllable (KLEE) in British English. As a noun, it means a phrase or idea that has been overused to the point of losing its original meaning.
The 'ch' is a soft 'sh' and the 'é' is an 'ay' sound: KLEE-shay.
Note: US /kliːˈʃeɪ/ ("klee-SHAY") stresses the last syllable; both use the 'sh' and the 'ay' ending.
Say "cliché" 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
KLEE-shay — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
First syllable (KLEE) in British English. Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The 'ch' is a soft 'sh' and the 'é' is an 'ay' sound: KLEE-shay.
Blend and repeat
Now say "cliché" at normal speed: KLEE-shay. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "cliché" (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.
shoe → KLEE-shay
The 'ch' is the 'sh' of 'shoe', not 'chair'.
NOT KLICH — KLEE-shay
Two beats, soft 'sh', 'ay' ending.
Say at speed: "That plot is a total cliché."
Keep the 'sh' soft even at speed.
Why "cliché" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Indian speakers read 'ch' as the /tʃ/ of 'church', but in this French loanword 'ch' is the 'sh' sound.
Tip: Use the 'sh' of 'shoe' and end in 'ay': KLEE-shay.
Hear “cliché” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
That plot is a total cliché.
Avoid clichés in your writing.
It sounds like a cliché, but it is true.
Words Related to "cliché"
Now say it inside a sentence
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Frequently Asked Questions
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