How to Pronounce Anniversary ( and why it’s meaningful for English learners)
Have you ever hesitated on a word in English… and felt that tiny pang of self-doubt? 😅
Maybe people understood you, but something about how it sounded made you second-guess yourself.
For many of my students, that word is “anniversary.”
And since I’m celebrating my own anniversary this week — a mix of two languages, two cultures, and all the little moments that shaped my journey — it felt like the perfect word to explore with you.
Why “Anniversary” Is More Than Just a Word
An anniversary isn’t just about weddings or birthdays.
It’s about growth.
For women like you — balancing work, family, and personal goals — it can be your English-learning anniversary: every small victory when you practiced a new word, spoke up in a meeting, or shared your opinion without hesitation.
It can also be an immigration anniversary — the day you stepped into a new country, a new language, a new way of being. The challenges were real, but so were the wins, the progress, and the confidence you’ve built over time.
And sometimes, it’s a voice anniversary — the moment you stopped letting others speak for you and started expressing your ideas in English on your own terms.
Every word you speak is a little celebration of that growth. 💛
How to Say “Anniversary” Correctly
Let’s break it down. The word has five syllables:
An-ni-ver-sa-ry
In American English, we don’t pronounce all syllables evenly. The natural rhythm is:
an-ni-VER-suh-ree
The strong beat is on VER — that’s your rhythm. When you nail the stress, it sounds clear, natural, and confident.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ anni-VER-sa-ree — too choppy
❌ anni-VER-sar-y — adds an extra “ar” sound
✅ Smooth flow: an-ni-VER-suh-ree
Think: da-da-DA-da-da — like little steps you can clap along with.
Use It in a Sentence
“Today is my wedding anniversary.”
“They’re celebrating their ten-year anniversary.”
Stories That Inspire Transformation
This is why I love coaching women like you. Pronunciation isn’t just about words — it’s about confidence, self-expression, and being seen.
One student, Yuan, used to let her husband speak for her. After learning rhythm and pronunciation, she now speaks confidently in meetings and conversations.
Another student, Emi, once worried her son was embarrassed by her accent. Today, she calls her bilingualism a superpower.
These stories show what’s possible when you combine skill, courage, and the right guidance.
Hear It in Action
If you want to hear exactly how to pronounce “anniversary”, including rhythm, stress, and common mistakes, I recorded a short video just for you.
It’s a simple, step-by-step demo you can practice along with — perfect if you want to sound clear, confident, and natural in English.
Take Your English to the Next Level
Learning a word is just the beginning. Real transformation happens when you work on pronunciation, rhythm, and mindset together — so you can speak with confidence in meetings, social gatherings, or even the coffee shop.
💛 If you’re ready to sound as confident as you truly are, this is your next step.
Free Resources to Start Today
Want to practice before jumping into the course? Grab my free pronunciation guides and audio exercises:
💬 Your Turn:
What’s one word that’s been holding you back? Comment below — I love helping women like you feel seen, heard, and confident in English.