If you want to sound natural in a standard southern British English accent (a variant of what’s known as Received Pronunciation or RP), getting the H sound right is essential.

Many learners struggle with this deceptively simple sound, so in this guide I’ll break down exactly how to pronounce H clearly, avoid common mistakes, and practise like a native speaker.

How to Pronounce H in a British Accent

The /h/ sound is created by your vocal folds coming close together without touching. This produces a soft, breathy exhalation – almost like you’re fogging up a mirror.

TIP: In this British accent, the H is very gentle. Don’t make it too strong or prolonged – it should feel like a light sigh.

Prefer to watch? Here’s a quick video tutorial explaining everything:

Correct Tongue Position for H

The good news? In this accent, your tongue doesn’t really play an active role in this sound.

However:

If the back of your tongue lifts too high, it can make your H sound harsh or guttural (similar to clearing your throat).
To avoid this, try saying “ahh” as if at the doctor’s. Notice how the back of your tongue is low? Keep that position and add a soft, breathy /h/.

When Is the H Silent in English?

In standard southern British English, there are some common words where the H is not pronounced. These are usually loanwords from other languages.

Here’s a list of examples where the H is silent:

hour, honest, honour, heir
rhyme, rhythm, shepherd, spaghetti
exhausted, ghost, silhouette, vehicle

Practising these words will help you avoid over pronouncing H in places where it isn’t needed.

How to Practise the H Sound

Try these sentences to practise a natural, soft H:

The hen hurried to the hen house to check on her eggs before they hatched.
Henry seems happy today! I hope he hasn’t brought homemade brownies again.
I hear that Harry Howard and Hazel are getting hitched! “Harry and Hazel Howard” – hilarious!

TIP: Practise speaking slowly at first. Over time, increase your pace while keeping the H soft and effortless.

Phonetic Symbol for H

In dictionaries, you’ll see the H sound written phonetically as /h/.

Want to Master Every British English Sound?

If you’re serious about refining your pronunciation, my British English Pronunciation Roadmap eBook is the perfect next step.

It includes:

324 pages of expert guidance
12 hours of audio practice
Step-by-step techniques for every sound in Standard Southern British English (RP).

Find out about the eBook here

FAQs About Pronouncing H in British English

Is H always pronounced in British English?
No – in many words (like “hour” or “honest”), the H is silent in this accent. Learning these exceptions is key to sounding natural.

Why does my H sound too harsh?
This happens if the back of your tongue rises too high. Try keeping the back of your tongue low and exhaling softly.

Can I skip H sounds like some native speakers do?
In certain regional British accents H-dropping is common. But in Standard Southern British English, you should pronounce H unless it is silent in a word.

Final Thoughts

The H sound may seem simple, but mastering it is a key step in speaking British English with clarity and ease.

Start by focusing on breath and softness.
Practise with common words and sentences.
Learn the exceptions where H is silent to avoid over pronouncing.
With consistent practice, your H will sound natural and effortless in no time.

Ashley Howard is a UK-based voice coach with 18+ years of experience helping professionals and individuals develop clear, authentic, and confident communication.

How to Pronounce H in a British Accent: Master the Sound Easily