Learn How to Pronounce couscous

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couscous

Definition:

(nou) a spicy dish that originated in northern Africa; consists of pasta steamed with a meat and vegetable stew (nou) a pasta made in northern Africa of crushed and steamed semolina

Examples:

This is the kind of couscous I eat.

I've never seen couscous described as a pasta before.

Imperial rolls, tacos and couscous in the middle of June 24

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couscous

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: couscous

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Common mistakes of couscous pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "couscous" as /ˈkaʊsˌkuːs/. In both US and UK English, the primary stress is on the first syllable: /ˈkaʊsˌkuːs/. Tip: Focus on emphasizing the first syllable for correct pronunciation.
  2. Incorrect vowel sound: Some pronounce "couscous" with a short "u" sound, saying /ˈkaʊskʊs/. The correct pronunciation includes a long "u" sound as in /ˈkaʊsˌkuːs/. Tip: Practice saying the "u" as in "food" to achieve the right sound.
  3. Skipping the "s" sound: A common mistake is to omit the second "s," pronouncing it as /ˈkaʊkuː/. However, it should be pronounced with both "s" sounds: /ˈkaʊsˌkuːs/. Tip: Make sure to clearly articulate both "s" sounds when saying the word.
  4. Overemphasizing the "ou": Some learners overly stress the "ou" in "couscous," making it sound like /ˈkaʊːsˌkuːs/. The correct pronunciation has a more balanced approach: /ˈkaʊsˌkuːs/. Tip: Keep the "ou" sound smooth and natural, without elongating it excessively.
  5. Confusing "couscous" with similar words: It's easy to mix up "couscous" with words like "cause" or "cousin." Remember, "couscous" is pronounced /ˈkaʊsˌkuːs/. Tip: Familiarize yourself with the distinct sound of "couscous" to avoid confusion with similar-sounding words.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "couscous" correctly?

The correct pronunciation of "couscous" is /ˈkuːs.kus/ in both US and UK English. The primary stress is on the first syllable, "cous," which sounds like "koos."

What is the syllable breakdown for "couscous"?

"Couscous" has two syllables: "cous" and "cous." The first syllable is stressed, making it sound more prominent when you say the word.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "couscous"?

Many people mistakenly pronounce "couscous" with a silent "c," saying "oos-oos" instead. Remember to pronounce both syllables clearly, with the "c" in the first syllable.

Is there a difference in pronunciation of "couscous" in different English accents?

There is no significant difference in the pronunciation of "couscous" between US and UK accents; both use /ˈkuːs.kus/. However, regional accents may slightly alter the vowel sound in casual speech.
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