"February" might be the most commonly mispronounced month. The spelling suggests FEB-roo-air-ee, but almost nobody says it that way. Let's explore both acceptable pronunciations.
The Two Correct Pronunciations
Option 1: FEB-yoo-air-ee (Most Common)
This is what most Americans say. The first R disappears completely.
Option 2: FEB-roo-air-ee (Traditional)
This follows the spelling but sounds formal or old-fashioned to many.
Both are correct! Use whichever feels natural.
Why Does the R Disappear?
The combination "br" followed by another R sound (in "-ruary") is difficult to say quickly. Over time, speakers simplified it by dropping the first R. This is called dissimilation—avoiding two similar sounds close together.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Common Pronunciation (FEB-yoo-air-ee)
- FEB /feb/ - Like "Feb" in abbreviation
- yoo /ju/ - Like "you"
- air /er/ - Like "air" or "care"
- ee /i/ - Short "ee" sound
Traditional Pronunciation (FEB-roo-air-ee)
- FEB /feb/ - Same as above
- roo /ru/ - Like "true" without the T
- air /er/ - Same
- ee /i/ - Same
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1: FEB-oo-air-ee
❌ Dropping both the R and the Y sound
✅ FEB-yoo-air-ee (keep the "y" sound)
Mistake #2: Spanish-style pronunciation
❌ feh-BREH-ro style
✅ FEB-yoo-air-ee (stress on first syllable)
Mistake #3: Adding syllables
❌ FEB-er-yoo-air-ee (5 syllables)
✅ FEB-yoo-air-ee (4 syllables)
All the Months
Other Tricky Calendar Words
Practice Sentences
- "My birthday is in February."
- "February is the shortest month."
- "February has 28 days."
- "Leap years have 29 days in February."
Fun Fact
"February" comes from the Latin "Februarius," named after a Roman purification festival. The original pronunciation had a clear R, but English speakers have been dropping it for centuries!
Tips for Spanish Speakers
- Forget "febrero"—the English word is very different
- Stress the first syllable, not the second
- The "u" sounds like "yoo," not Spanish "u"
- It's okay to skip the first R—most natives do!
Key Takeaways
- Both pronunciations are correct
- Most Americans say: FEB-yoo-air-ee (no first R)
- Traditional: FEB-roo-air-ee (with first R)
- Always stress the first syllable
- 4 syllables total
Now you can confidently talk about the second month of the year!