Hear "Be"in a Southern Accent

Us Southerners don’t always say be the way the unhillbillies do. You’ll often hear it as beh-ee /bɪi̯/ ~ /biə/ - one syllable with a glide that nearly splits into two - or stretched into buh-eh-ee /bə.ei/ ~ /bɛ.i/ in slower or more expressive talk. Play the clip to hear both in real Southern speech, then practice with our tips.

#SouthernAccents

Variations

This one is more rural. /bə.ei/ ~ /bɛ.i/

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Start with "beh" or "buh," then glide quickly into "ee." Keep it tight for "beh-ee" in quick speech, or stretch it smooth for "buh-eh-ee." Practice both until they feel natural.

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Common Questions

How do Southerners usually pronounce "be"?

In casual speech you’ll hear "beh-ee" (compressed), and in slower or emphatic talk "buh-eh-ee" (stretched).

Is this unique to the South?

The glides are especially common in Southern/Appalachian speech, though stretched vowels occur in many dialects.

How can I practice?

Start with a plain "be." Add a short glide for "beh-ee" or a longer "buh-eh-ee." Listen to the clips and repeat until smooth.

Regional Note

Southern accents vary widely from state to state and even holler to holler. The examples here reflect speech patterns common to rural Kentucky, Arkansas, Tennessee, western North Carolina, north Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas, and aren't meant to represent lowland or coastal "Deep South" varieties. Nor are the examples perfect - accents can be hyper-regional. They're provided for curious learners, actors and content creators, and ESL speakers who want a friendly introduction to authentic pronunciation. Learn more on the Southern Accent hub page.

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