Learn How to Pronounce canal

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canal

Definition:

(nou) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion (nou) a bodily passage or tube lined with epithelial cells and conveying a secretion or other substance (nou) long and narrow strip of water made for boats or for irrigation

Phonetic Transcription:

kəˈnæl

Examples:

From here the water is diverged to the canal.

The canal has several connections to the River Spree.

The canal is effectively landlocked and isolated from the river.

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canal

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: canal

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

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Common mistakes of canal pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many learners stress the second syllable, saying "ca-NAL" instead of "CAN-al" /ˈkən.əl/ (US) /kəˈnæl/ (UK). Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable for correct pronunciation.
  2. Overemphasizing vowels: Some people pronounce "canal" with exaggerated vowels, making it sound like "cuh-NAL." This can distort the word to /kəˈnæl/. Tip: Keep the vowels short and clear, focusing on the correct syllable stress.
  3. Incorrect vowel sounds: A common mistake is pronouncing "canal" with an "a" sound like in "cat," saying "canal" as /kæn.əl/. Tip: Use a schwa sound /ə/ for the unstressed syllable to maintain the correct pronunciation.
  4. Skipping syllables: Some may pronounce "canal" as a single syllable, saying "c'nal." This reduces clarity and correctness. Tip: Always pronounce both syllables distinctly to avoid confusion.
  5. Confusing with similar words: Learners sometimes mix "canal" with "cannellini" or "candle," leading to mispronunciation. Tip: Focus on the unique sound of "canal," emphasizing the "CAN" sound at the beginning.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "canal" in American English?

In American English, "canal" is pronounced as /kəˈnæl/, with the stress on the second syllable. The first syllable sounds like "kuh," and the second syllable rhymes with "pal."

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "canal" between American and British English?

Yes, in British English, "canal" is pronounced as /kəˈnɑːl/, where the second syllable has a longer "ah" sound. The stress remains on the second syllable, but the vowel sound changes.

What is the syllable breakdown for the word "canal"?

The word "canal" has two syllables: "ca" and "nal." The first syllable is pronounced with a schwa sound, making it less emphasized compared to the stressed second syllable.

Are there common mistakes when pronouncing "canal"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, pronouncing it as /ˈkæn.əl/ instead of /kəˈnæl/. It's important to remember that the correct stress is on the second syllable to sound natural.
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