How to Pronounce "rhythm"
The correct pronunciation of "rhythm" is RITH-um /ˈrɪð.əm/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "RIT-hum" habit for good.
rhythm
/ˈrɪð.əm/A strong, regular repeated pattern of sound or movement.
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Record yourself saying “rhythm” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "RIT-hum" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Sounding the 'h' after 'r' or hardening the 'th': 'ri-HITH-um' or 'RIT-hum'. | RITH-um /ˈrɪð.əm/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | First syllable (RITH). |
How Do You Pronounce "rhythm"?
"rhythm" is pronounced RITH-um /ˈrɪð.əm/. The stress is on the first syllable (RITH). As a noun, it means a strong, regular repeated pattern of sound or movement.
The 'h' after the 'r' is silent — say RITH-um, where 'th' is the soft sound in 'this'.
Listen for the stressed syllable and copy its rhythm — getting the stress right matters more than any single sound.
Say "rhythm" 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
RITH-um — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
First syllable (RITH). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The 'h' after the 'r' is silent — say RITH-um, where 'th' is the soft sound in 'this'.
Blend and repeat
Now say "rhythm" at normal speed: RITH-um. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "rhythm" (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.
this → rhythm
The 'th' is the soft sound in 'this', not a hard t.
NOT RIT-hum — RITH-um
No separate h sound after the r.
Say at speed: "The song has a steady rhythm."
Keep the r plain and the th soft.
Why "rhythm" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Indian-language scripts pronounce every written letter, so the silent 'h' after 'r' gets voiced.
Tip: Start with a plain 'r', then a soft 'th' (as in 'this'): RITH-um.
Hear “rhythm” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
The song has a steady rhythm.
Dance to the rhythm of the music.
She clapped in rhythm.
Now say it inside a sentence
Getting "rhythm" 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
How do you pronounce "rhythm" in Indian English?
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