Learn How to Pronounce auto

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auto

Definition:

(nou) a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈɔːtəʊ

Examples:

The problem was the auto commotion afterward.

The auto repair shop specialises in mufflers and brakes.

The city is a major centre for the auto ancillary industry.

Learn more about:
auto

Related Words:

mobile

car

vehicle

How to perfect your pronunciation of: auto

Learn Individual Sounds

Break auto down into individual sounds such as ˈɔːtəʊ. Practice these parts before you learn to say the whole word.

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Pick an Accent

Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

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Common mistakes of auto pronunciation

Stress misplacement: Some learners place stress incorrectly, saying "AUTO" instead of "au-TO". In IPA, it's /ˈɔː.toʊ/ for US and /ˈɔː.təʊ/ for UK. Tip: Focus on the second syllable for correct stress.
Vowel confusion: The "au" in "auto" can be mispronounced as "aw" or "ah". In IPA, the correct sound is /ɔː/. Tip: Practice saying "aw" as in "saw" but with a clearer "o" sound.
Final vowel omission: Some may drop the final "o" sound, saying "aut" instead of "auto". In IPA, it's important to include the /oʊ/ sound. Tip: Always pronounce the last syllable fully to avoid this mistake.
Overemphasis on consonants: Learners might stress the "t" too much, leading to "aUTO" instead of "auTO". In IPA, the "t" should be clear but not overpowering. Tip: Keep the consonant soft and focus on the vowel sounds.
Regional accent influence: Different accents may alter the pronunciation, leading to variations. For example, some might say "aw-to" instead of "auto". Tip: Listen to native speakers to adapt your pronunciation accurately.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "auto" in American English?

In American English, "auto" is pronounced as /ˈɔː.toʊ/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "aw," and the second syllable rhymes with "go."

What is the UK pronunciation of "auto"?

In British English, "auto" is pronounced as /ˈɔː.təʊ/. The first syllable is stressed, similar to the American version, but the second syllable sounds like "oh."

Does "auto" have a schwa sound in its pronunciation?

Yes, in the British pronunciation /ˈɔː.təʊ/, the second syllable contains a schwa sound, which makes it less stressed and pronounced more lightly. In contrast, the American version does not have a schwa; the second syllable is more defined.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "auto"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, pronouncing it as /əʊˈtɔː/ instead of /ˈɔː.toʊ/ in American English. Remember to keep the stress on the first syllable to sound more natural.