Special is pronounced SPESH-əl (IPA /ˈspɛʃəl/). Two beats — 'SPESH-ul'; the 'ci' becomes 'sh'.
IPA: /ˈspɛʃəl/
Syllables: SPESH · əl
Common ESL mistake: Learners say 'spe-shall' or 'spe-see-al' instead of 'SPESH-ul'.
Tip: Two beats — 'SPESH-ul'; the 'ci' becomes 'sh'.