A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Reading
The standard pronunciation of 'reading' when referring to the city, not the act of reading.
reading
RED-ing pro-NUN-see-AY-shun
/ˈrɛdɪŋ ˌprəˌnʌnsiˈeɪʃən/ · RED · ing pro · nun · see · ay · shun
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
This term is used when clarifying pronunciation, especially in contexts where confusion might arise. For example, a language teacher might say, 'We're discussing the pronunciation of Reading, the city in Berkshire, England, not the verb 'reading'.'
Where the word comes from
The city name 'Reading' is believed to derive from the Old English 'Rēadings', possibly meaning 'people of Rēada'. The suffix '-ing' often denoted a people or tribe.
Common ways people get it wrong
- REED-ing This common mistake comes from confusing the city name with the present participle of the verb 'to read'. Remember the 'e' in the city's name is short, like in 'red'.
Frequently asked
Why is there a special pronunciation for Reading?
The city of Reading (in England) is pronounced with a short 'e' sound, like in 'red'. This distinguishes it from the common word 'reading', which has a long 'ee' sound.
Is it pronounced like the verb 'reading'?
No, that's the key distinction. The city 'Reading' is pronounced RED-ing, while the verb form is REED-ing.
Where is Reading pronounced this way?
This specific pronunciation applies to the city of Reading in Berkshire, England. There is also a Reading in Pennsylvania, USA, which is pronounced similarly.
