Polish · Difficult words
How to pronounce nic in Polish
nic
Nothing
Standard Polish · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.
nic is pronounced /ˈɲit͡s/ in Polish. In nic: Raise the middle of your tongue for a single palatal n, similar to the linked “ny” in “canyon”. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
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Find the sounds in nic
The reference transcription for nic is /ˈɲit͡s/. Read adjacent consonants together without inserting extra vowels. The mark /ˈ/ comes immediately before the main stressed syllable. Give that syllable a little more prominence without swallowing the others.
1.The soft n /ɲ/
In nic: Raise the middle of your tongue for a single palatal n, similar to the linked “ny” in “canyon”.
Watch out: Do not read ń as an ordinary n followed by an extra vowel.
2.The c sound /ts/
In nic: Join t and s into a single affricate, as in the ending of English “cats”.
Watch out: Do not read Polish c as English k or as a lone s.
3.Front-vowel position
In nic: Listen for the distinction between the closer /i/ and the more relaxed /ɪ/ when shown. Keep your tongue toward the front.
Watch out: Do not decide vowel quality from English spelling alone.
Hear it in context
Nic nie wiem.
I know nothing.
Listen once, say it aloud, then replay at 1.00×. Keep the word connected to the surrounding sentence rather than giving every syllable equal weight.
Pronunciation and variety
nic is presented using Standard Polish. Regional accents and connected speech can change details. The isolated word and the example let you compare the dictionary form with a short spoken context.
The English-style respelling is approximate. Use the IPA and recording together for vowel quality and consonants that do not have an exact English equivalent.
Meaning and everyday use
Questions about nic
How do you pronounce nic?
nic is pronounced /ˈɲit͡s/ in Polish. In nic: Raise the middle of your tongue for a single palatal n, similar to the linked “ny” in “canyon”. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.
What should I listen for first?
In nic: Raise the middle of your tongue for a single palatal n, similar to the linked “ny” in “canyon”. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.
