The spelling of the word "sayn" seems unusual, but it can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced /seɪn/ and is derived from the Old English word "sǣn," meaning "a saying or proverb." The spelling "sayn" is a simplified version of the original spelling while still accurately representing the sound of the word. While it may not be a commonly used word in modern language, understanding its origins and proper pronunciation can help expand our grasp of the English language.