PICK UP is one of the most versatile phrasal verbs in English with multiple meanings. The good news? The pronunciation is the same for all of them.
Basic Pronunciation
Stress Pattern
The stress is on UP, as with most phrasal verbs:
- pick = unstressed
- UP = stressed (louder, longer)
Say: "pick UP" not "PICK up"
Connected Speech Magic
This is where PICK UP gets interesting! In natural speech, the /k/ links directly to the /ʌ/:
- Written: pick up
- Sounds like: "pi-KUP" /pɪˈkʌp/
The /k/ sound "jumps" to the next syllable. This is consonant-to-vowel linking.
With Objects (Separable)
PICK UP is separable. When you add an object, listen to the linking:
Notice "pick it up" creates a smooth three-syllable phrase: PI-ki-TUP!
Multiple Meanings
1. Lift something
2. Collect someone
3. Learn casually
4. Answer the phone
5. Improve/increase
The Noun: PICKUP
When PICK UP becomes a noun, it's written as one word and the stress pattern changes:
Verb: pick UP /pɪk ˈʌp/ (stress on UP)
Noun: PICKup /ˈpɪkʌp/ (stress on PICK)
Common Mistakes for Spanish Speakers
1. Aspirating the /p/
English /p/ at the beginning of stressed syllables has a puff of air (aspiration). "Pick" should have this aspiration: /pʰɪk/.
2. Not linking
Don't pronounce "pick" and "up" as separate words. Link them: "pi-KUP."
3. Wrong vowel in "up"
The /ʌ/ in "up" is NOT the Spanish "a". It's a shorter, more central sound.
Practice Sentences
- "Pick UP the phone!" → /pɪˈkʌp ðə foʊn/
- "I'll pick you UP at noon." → /aɪl pɪk jə ˈʌp æt nuːn/
- "Can you pick it UP?" → /kən jə ˈpɪkɪˈtʌp/
- "She picked UP French quickly." → /ʃi pɪkt ˈʌp frentʃ ˈkwɪkli/
Quick Summary
- Stress on UP: pick UP
- Link /k/ to /ʌ/: "pi-KUP" /pɪˈkʌp/
- "Pick it up" = PI-ki-TUP (three syllables)
- Same pronunciation for all meanings
- Noun "pickup" has stress on first syllable
Next, learn how to pronounce TURN ON.