Learn How to Pronounce cousin

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cousin

Definition:

(nou) the child of your aunt or uncle

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈkʌzən

Examples:

According to Vanessa's cousin, there was no prenuptial agreement.

Additionally, the saucer is a distant cousin to the plate.

Ananda was the youngest first cousin of the Buddha.

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cousin

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: cousin

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Common mistakes of cousin pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "cousin" as /ˈkʌ.zɪn/. This is incorrect; the primary stress is on the first syllable: /ˈkʌ.zən/. Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable.
  2. Incorrect vowel sound: Many pronounce "cousin" with a long "u" sound, like /kuː.zɪn/. This mispronunciation alters the word's sound. The correct pronunciation is /ˈkʌ.zən/ in US English and /ˈkʌ.zɪn/ in UK English. Tip: Focus on the short "u" sound as in "cup."
  3. Omitting the "z" sound: Some people may say "cousin" as /ˈkʌs.ɪn/, dropping the "z" altogether. This changes the word's meaning. The correct pronunciation includes the "z": /ˈkʌ.zən/ (US) or /ˈkʌ.zɪn/ (UK). Tip: Make sure to pronounce the "z" clearly.
  4. Adding an extra syllable: A common mistake is pronouncing "cousin" as /kʌˈzɪn/, which adds an unnecessary syllable. The correct form has only two syllables: /ˈkʌ.zən/ or /ˈkʌ.zɪn/. Tip: Practice saying it quickly to maintain the two-syllable structure.
  5. Confusing with similar words: Some learners mix up "cousin" with "cousin" (the plural) or "cousin" (the verb), leading to mispronunciation. Ensure you recognize the context. Tip: Pay attention to the context in which "cousin" is used to avoid confusion.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "cousin" in American English?

In American English, "cousin" is pronounced as /ˈkʌz.ən/. The primary stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "cuz," followed by a quick "in."

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

Yes, in British English, "cousin" is often pronounced as /ˈkʌz.ɪn/, with a slightly clearer second syllable. The first syllable remains the same, with the primary stress still on the first syllable.

What is the syllable structure of the word "cousin"?

The word "cousin" has two syllables: "cous" and "in." The first syllable is stressed, making it sound more prominent in speech.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "cousin"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying it as /kəˈzɪn/ instead of /ˈkʌz.ən/. Remember to emphasize the first syllable to pronounce "cousin" correctly.
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