The spelling of "paen" can be explained through the use of IPA phonetic transcription. The word is typically pronounced as "peɪən" with the emphasis being on the first syllable. The "ae" in "paen" represents a diphthong, blending the sounds of "a" and "e" together. This unique spelling likely results from its origin in Latin, where it was spelled "paene" and means "almost." While not a commonly used word, understanding its pronunciation and spelling can enhance one's vocabulary and language comprehension.