What is personal? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of personal

personaladjective

/ˈpəːsən(ə)l/
Definition & pronunciation of personal

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "personal" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "personal" is typically divided into two syllables:

  • per - sonal

2. Pronunciation Breakdown:

  • "per": This sounds like "per" as in "pearl" or "perk." It’s a short, sharp sound.
  • "sonal": This is where it gets slightly more complex. Here's how to tackle it:
    • "son": This sounds like "sawn" – like you’re sawing wood. Think about the "o" sound like in "song."
    • "al": This sounds like "al" as in "all" or "ball." It's a very short, almost silent "a" sound.

3. Putting it Together:

Say it slowly at first: per - sawn - al

Then, gradually speed up: per-sonal

4. Audio Resources (Highly Recommended!)

Key Points to Remember:

  • The "s" in "sonal" is not pronounced like the "s" in "sad." It's the "s" in "saw."
  • Don’t overemphasize the "son." Keep it relatively quick.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning English?
  • Is there anything specific you're finding difficult about the pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word personal in English

Let's break down how to use the word "personal" in English. It's a versatile word with several different nuances, so understanding these can help you use it correctly and effectively.

1. As an Adjective - Meaning "Relating to an Individual"

This is the most common usage. "Personal" describes something that's specific to a person or relates to their feelings, experiences, or belongings.

  • Examples:
    • "This is a personal matter, I'd rather not discuss it." (Relating to the individual's life)
    • “I have a personal favorite color – blue.” (Specific to the individual)
    • "He’s a personal trainer." (Relating to the individual's fitness goals)
    • “She keeps a personal journal.” (Her private record)
    • "I prefer personal communication rather than emails." (Direct interaction)

2. As an Adjective - Meaning "Private" or "Secret"

"Personal" can also indicate something that isn't meant to be shared publicly.

  • Examples:
    • "He shared personal details about his family." (Private information)
    • “Let’s keep this personal discussion confidential.” (Secret conversation)

3. As an Adjective - Meaning "Individualized" or "Tailored"

This usage refers to something that’s been created or adjusted for a specific person.

  • Examples:
    • "I need a personal budget to track my spending." (Customized for the individual)
    • “The teacher provided personal feedback on the essays.” (Adapted to each student)
    • "They offer personal styling services." (Tailored to the customer’s preferences)

4. As a Noun (Less Common)

As a noun, "personal" refers to a private or individual aspect of someone's life or feelings.

  • Examples:
    • “He’s very concerned about his personal reputation.” (His private image)
    • “Let’s focus on your personal growth.” (Your individual development)

Here's a breakdown of how to choose the right meaning:

Meaning Context Example
Relating to an Individual Describing a job, profession, service "A personal assistant”
Private/Secret Referring to information not public "Sharing personal details”
Individualized/Tailored Describing something customized "A personal profile on a website"
(Noun) Referring to a personal aspect of life "His personal values"

Tips for Using "Personal" Effectively:

  • Consider the context: The surrounding words will often make the meaning clear.
  • Use synonyms when appropriate: Sometimes, words like "private," "individual," or "specific" can replace "personal" and add clarity.
  • Be mindful of sensitivity: When discussing personal matters, be respectful of others’ boundaries.

Could you give me a sentence you'd like me to analyze to show you how "personal" is used in a specific situation? Or, do you want me to focus on a particular aspect of its usage (e.g., "personal" as a noun)?

Synonyms for the word personal

Idioms of the word personal

up close and personal
physically very close to somebody; getting to know them well
  • Get up close and personal with the koalas at the San Diego Zoo.
  • For the last 30 years, I’ve been up close and personal with people whose lives were in crisis.

Practice with vocabulary personal

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The CEO made a __________ appearance at the charity event, greeting attendees individually.
  2. It's crucial to separate your professional responsibilities from your __________ feelings when making objective decisions.
  3. All employees must adhere to the company's strict data privacy policy, especially concerning __________ client information.
  4. Each student submitted their __________ research project, showcasing their unique approach to the topic.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word(s) best describe information that is not shared with others, typically private to an individual? a) Public b) Personal c) Confidential d) General

  2. When discussing the measures taken to maintain cleanliness and health, you would refer to: a) Group b) Social c) Personal d) Public

  3. To describe a project that involves one person's direct involvement and unique contribution, you might use: a) Collective b) Shared c) Individual d) Corporate

  4. Which term(s) describe something belonging exclusively to one person, rather than a group or organization? a) Collective b) Private c) Personal d) Universal

  5. Which adjective is most appropriate when describing an opinion heavily influenced by one's own feelings and experiences, rather than objective facts? a) Subjective b) Objective c) Factual d) Neutral

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The manager gave feedback directly to each employee about their performance. Rewrite using "personal":

  2. Employees are advised to keep their own items, such as phones and wallets, secure. Rewrite using "personal":

  3. The report highlighted differences in how each person perceives the new policy. Rewrite, without using "personal":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. personal
  2. personal
  3. confidential
  4. individual

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) Personal, c) Confidential
  2. c) Personal
  3. c) Individual
  4. b) Private, c) Personal
  5. a) Subjective

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The manager gave personal feedback to each employee about their performance.
  2. Employees are advised to keep their personal items, such as phones and wallets, secure.
  3. The report highlighted individual differences in how people perceive the new policy.

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