Learn How to Pronounce buoy

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buoy

Definition:

(nou) bright-colored; a float attached by rope to the seabed to mark channels in a harbor or underwater hazards

Phonetic Transcription:

boɪ

Examples:

The target was a buoy floating in the Sea of Japan.

Moorings fix the buoy to the seabed.

A buoy currently marks the position of the Runnel Stone.

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buoy

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: buoy

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Common mistakes of buoy pronunciation

  1. Mispronouncing the vowel sound: Some learners say "buoy" as /bʊi/ instead of the correct /bɔɪ/ in both US and UK pronunciations. Tip: Focus on the diphthong "oy" to achieve the right sound.
  2. Ignoring the silent letters: A common mistake is pronouncing the "u" in "buoy". The correct pronunciation is /bɔɪ/, where the "u" is silent. Tip: Remember that "buoy" is pronounced like "boy" with a "b".
  3. Stressing the wrong syllable: Some may incorrectly stress the first syllable, saying "BUOY" instead of the correct single-syllable pronunciation /bɔɪ/. Tip: Practice saying "buoy" as one smooth sound to avoid incorrect stress.
  4. Confusing "buoy" with similar words: Learners sometimes mix up "buoy" with "boy" or "boo". The correct pronunciation of "buoy" is /bɔɪ/, distinct from these words. Tip: Listen to native speakers to hear the differences clearly.
  5. Over-enunciating: Some people may overly articulate "buoy", making it sound longer or more complex than it is. The correct pronunciation is a quick /bɔɪ/. Tip: Keep it simple and smooth for natural speech.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "buoy"?

In American English, "buoy" is pronounced as /bʊɪ/ with a single syllable. In British English, it is often pronounced the same way, though some may use /bɔɪ/.

What is the stress pattern for "buoy"?

The word "buoy" has no secondary stress; the primary stress is on the only syllable, making it /bʊɪ/. This means you emphasize the whole word when you say it.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "buoy"?

Many learners mistakenly pronounce "buoy" as /buːi/ or /bʊə/, adding extra sounds that aren't there. Remember, it's just one syllable: /bʊɪ/.

Is "buoy" a homophone with any other words?

Yes, "buoy" can sound similar to "boy," especially in casual speech, as they share the same vowel sound. However, they have different meanings and spellings.
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