How to pronounce zero correctly? Compilation of the most accurate ways to pronounce zero

The number 0 in English has various pronunciations that you may not have heard before. Besides understanding the common pronunciations, it's also helpful to know how to pronounce 0 in different contexts. PREP has compiled a complete list of the ways to  pronounce zero in English below. Let's take a look!

I. Introduction to the number 0 in English

The number 0 in English has various ways of pronunciation. The pronunciation of the number 0 in English depends on its context and usage.

The number 0 often appears in IELTS Listening Part 1 in many cases and contexts, especially in phone numbers, counting, currency, etc. Therefore, understanding how to pronounce it will help you perform better in listening tasks and communicate more naturally.

The IELTS Listening Part 1 includes the pronunciation of the number 0 in many cases.

II. How many ways are there to pronounce zero in English? 

How many ways are there to pronounce zero in English? Here is a compilation of the pronunciation variations that you need to know. Besides the following pronunciations, there are also modern ways of pronouncing the number 0. However, in this article, PREP only compiles the most common cases.

1. The number 0 is pronounced as "Zero"

When the number 0 stands alone, it is pronounced as "Zero." This is also its most common pronunciation. Here are some examples of how to pronounce zero as "Zero" that you need to know in counting, mathematics, scores, etc.

2. The number 0 is pronounced as "Oh"

The pronunciation "oh" for 0 is commonly used in spoken English, especially in situations like phone numbers, room numbers, or years. Using "oh" helps distinguish the number from the letter "O" and avoids confusion, particularly in contexts where clarity is essential, such as communication over the phone or in addresses.

3. The number 0 is pronounced as "Nil"

The number 0 is pronounced as "nil" in the case of reading football scores. For example, Vietnam- Laos's football score is 3-0: three-nil.

4. The number 0 is pronounced as "Null"

The number 0 is pronounced as "null" in mathematics and various scientific fields. For example:

• In mathematics, null is used to represent the empty set {∅}.

• In computer science, null is used to indicate uninitialized memory.

5. The number 0 is pronounced as "Nada," "Zilch," and "Zip" (slang)

 Informal pronunciations like "nada," "zilch," and "zip" are colloquial expressions representing zero or nothingness. These slang terms are commonly used in casual conversations or to emphasize the absence of something. For instance, saying "I know zip about that topic" means knowing nothing about it.

These various pronunciations of the number 0 reflect its versatility and usage across different domains, from everyday conversations to technical and scientific contexts. Understanding these pronunciations enhances language fluency and communication skills in English. 

III. Exercise on How to pronounce zero in English

Below is an exercise on How to read the number 0 in English that you can refer to!!

Write the transcriptions for the following numbers:

• Hotline: 1903 289 8904

• Year: 1805

• Room number: 406

• Football score: 0-3

• Set {...}

• Phone number: 021-4006-9087

• Price: $9.05

• Temperature: -2°C

• Flight number: DL Flight 007

• Date: 04/09/2024

Answers:

• Hotline: one nine zero three two eight nine eight nine zero four 

• Eighteen oh five 

• Four oh six 

• Nil-three 

• Null 

• Phone number: zero two one - four zero zero six - nine zero eight seven

• Price: nine dollars and five cents

• Temperature: minus two degrees Celsius

• Flight number: Delta Flight double-oh-seven

• Date: the fourth of September, twenty twenty-four

In addition, you can practice listening to English with the Test Practice section on PREP. With a vast collection of exercises, PREP will help you encounter various situations that involve the pronunciation of 0 in English.

The number 0 may seem simple, but its pronunciation has numerous variations. The above compilation includes the common pronunciations that you should pay attention to. Understanding how to pronounce zero in English will enhance your listening skills and enable you to respond flexibly in conversations. Do you know how to pronounce Zeroth? Let’s leave a comment below!