Many English learners struggle to pronounce the word “world” — and for good reason! It contains two tricky consonant sounds: R and L, right next to each other.

👂 In American English, the pronunciation can feel especially challenging.

🧠 A Brilliant Tip from a 12-Year-Old

One of my former students, Rodrigo (only 12 years old at the time!), came up with a smart way to break it down:

➡️ wor + óld
Think of it as two parts:

• “wor” (as in word)
• “óld” (like the word old)
  Put them together: wor-óld → world
  🎉 Ingenious, right? Way to go, Rodrigo!

🎥 A Similar Tip from a Teacher

While preparing this lesson, I came across a video where another teacher gives a very similar tip. Listen carefully.

🗣️ Pronunciation Practice

Repeat each pair of words slowly, focusing on the R and L sounds. Then say “world” after each one:

1. word – old – world
2. were – gold – world
3. worm – cold – world
4. war – fold – world
5. work – hold – world

Now try saying “world” 5 times in a row, slowly and clearly.
Finally, say these full sentences:

• 🌍 The world is beautiful.
• 🌎 I want to travel around the world.
• 🌐 English is spoken all over the world.