What is apartment? Pronunciation and usage in English

apartment means . Learn how to pronounce and use apartment through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of apartment

apartmentnoun

/əˈpɑːtm(ə)nt/
Definition & pronunciation of apartment

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "apartment" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

"Apartment" is typically divided into three syllables:

  • ap - as in "apple"
  • ment - as in "moment"

2. The Sounds:

  • ap: Pronounced like "app" – short “a” sound.
  • part: This is the trickiest part. It sounds like "part" (as in "park") but with a slightly emphasized "r." Don’t over-emphasize the "r" though, it’s subtle.
  • ment: Pronounced like "ment" – as in “sent” or “tent.”

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly at first: "ap-part-ment"

4. Key Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't stress the "a" in "apartment" too much. It's a fairly neutral sound.
  • The "r" in "part" is light. It's not a strong, rolled "r" like in Spanish or Italian. Think of it as a very subtle "r" sound blending into the "a."
  • The vowel in "ment" is short. Like "ment" as in "cent."

5. Listen to a Native Speaker:

The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are a few resources:

To summarize, the most important thing is to pronounce it as "ap-part-ment" with a subtle "r" in "part" and a short vowel in "ment."

Do you want me to:

  • Break down a specific part of the pronunciation further?
  • Give you some practice words that use similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word apartment in English

Let's break down how to use the word "apartment" in English. It's a pretty common word, but it's important to understand how it differs from "flat."

1. What is an Apartment?

An apartment is a self-contained housing unit (like an apartment building) that is rented or owned by individuals or families. Think of it as a separate living space within a larger building.

2. Common Ways to Use "Apartment":

  • Describing a place to live: “I live in an apartment downtown.” “He’s looking for a one-bedroom apartment.” “We’re renting an apartment with a balcony.”
  • Describing the building itself: "That's a nice apartment building." "They renovated the apartments last year."
  • Referring to the unit you live in: "Let's go to the apartment." (meaning the specific unit you live in)
  • Talking about availability: "Do you have any apartments available for rent?"
  • Using it with sizes/features: "A studio apartment is a small, one-room unit." “They have luxury apartments with pools.”

3. “Apartment” vs. “Flat”:

This is a crucial distinction, especially in British English.

  • Apartment: Is predominantly used in American English.
  • Flat: Is predominantly used in British English.

They mean the exact same thing – a self-contained housing unit within a building.

Example:

  • "I live in an apartment." (American)
  • "I live in a flat." (British)

4. Examples in Sentences:

  • "She moved into a new apartment last month."
  • "The rent for the apartment is $1800 a month."
  • "My apartment has a beautiful view of the city."
  • “I’m looking for an apartment near the subway.”
  • “This apartment needs some repairs.”

5. Related Words and Phrases:

  • Apartment building: The entire structure containing multiple apartments.
  • Apartment complex: Often used for larger developments with many units.
  • Rent an apartment: To pay money to live in an apartment.
  • Lease an apartment: To sign a contract agreeing to rent an apartment.
  • Apartment hunting: The process of searching for an apartment.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain a specific usage of the word (e.g., "co-op apartment")?
  • Help you practice using the word in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word apartment

Practice with vocabulary apartment

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She decided to rent an ________ in the city center because it was close to her workplace.
  2. The hotel room was too expensive, so they looked for a cheaper ________ nearby.
  3. They bought a new house because they wanted more space than their old ________ offered.
  4. After the storm, the neighbors helped repair the damaged ________ of the building.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What do you call a self-contained living space in a building?
    a) cottage b) apartment c) villa d) cabin
  2. Where might someone store their bike if they live in a high-rise building?
    a) garage b) balcony c) basement d) all of the above
  3. Which term refers to a rented living space in an urban area?
    a) apartment b) bungalow c) mansion d) chalet
  4. What is a synonym for "flat" in American English?
    a) house b) apartment c) studio d) duplex
  5. Which of these is NOT a type of residential property?
    a) office b) apartment c) townhouse d) condominium

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She lives in a small flat near the park.
    Rewrite: She lives in a small ________ near the park.
  2. Original: The family moved into a new house last month.
    Rewrite: The family moved into a new ________ last month.
  3. Original: Their apartment has a beautiful view of the mountains.
    Rewrite: Their ________ has a beautiful view of the mountains.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. apartment
  2. accommodation
  3. apartment
  4. façade

Exercise 2:

  1. b) apartment
  2. d) all of the above
  3. a) apartment
  4. b) apartment
  5. a) office

Exercise 3:

  1. She lives in a small apartment near the park.
  2. The family moved into a new apartment last month.
  3. Their residence has a beautiful view of the mountains.

Comment ()