Learn How to Pronounce espionage

Not sure how to say a word? Try the Promova pronunciation tool for free and learn how to pronounce anything in English correctly. Discover over 100,000 words and easily learn English pronunciation online!

Find your word:

Try:

Find how to pronounce a word and practice it in our free word pronouncer for English learners!

How to pronounce:

Listen to the pronunciation:

espionage

Definition:

(nou) the systematic use of spies to get military or political secrets

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈespɪənɑːʒ

Examples:

The Drasnians are skilled in espionage and trade.

At the time, Venice was plagued by espionage and subterfuge.

Like much in the history of espionage and subversion, there is controversy.

Learn more about:

espionage

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: espionage

Learn Individual Sounds

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

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say espionage in their accents, then try to repeat after them.

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.

Record Yourself

Say espionage in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with espionage.

Get a Native Tutor

Improve your pronunciation with native speakers! Practice with American, British, and Australian teachers on Promova.

Common mistakes of espionage pronunciation

  1. Misplacing the stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "es-pi-ˈo-nage." The correct stress is on the third syllable: "es-pi-ˌo-ˈnage" (US) / "es-pi-ˌɒ-nɪdʒ" (UK). Tip: Focus on the "nage" part for proper emphasis.
  2. Pronouncing the "s" as "z": Some people say "ez-pi-ˈo-nage," incorrectly voicing the "s." In "espionage," the "s" is unvoiced: "ˈɛs-pi-ə-nɑːʒ" (US) / "ˈɛs-pi-ənɑːʒ" (UK). Tip: Keep the "s" sharp and clear.
  3. Ignoring the "o" sound: Learners often skip the "o" in the second syllable, pronouncing it as "es-pi-nage." The correct pronunciation includes the "o": "es-pi-ˌo-ˈnage." Tip: Remember to articulate the "o" sound fully.
  4. Overemphasizing the "nage": Some mispronounce it as "es-pi-o-ˈnajj," placing too much emphasis on the last syllable. The correct pronunciation is "es-pi-ˌo-ˈnage." Tip: Keep the last syllable light and smooth.
  5. Confusing "espionage" with similar words: People sometimes mix it up with "espionage" and "spionage." The correct term is "espionage," pronounced "ˈɛs-pi-ə-nɑːʒ" (US) / "ˈɛs-pi-ənɑːʒ" (UK). Tip: Familiarize yourself with the full form to avoid errors.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "espionage"?

In American English, "espionage" is pronounced as /ˈɛspiəˌnɑʒ/, with the primary stress on the first syllable "es". In British English, it is pronounced the same way, /ˈɛspiənɑːʒ/, but the second syllable has a longer "a" sound.

What is the syllable breakdown for "espionage"?

The word "espionage" has four syllables: "es-pi-o-nage". When saying it, make sure to emphasize the first syllable and keep the others lighter.

Are there any silent letters in "espionage"?

No, there are no silent letters in "espionage". Each letter contributes to the pronunciation, so pronounce all the sounds clearly.

What common mistakes do people make when pronouncing "espionage"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often putting it on the second syllable instead of the first. Remember to stress "es" and keep the other syllables softer to pronounce it correctly.
Improve your pronunciation with a convenient app anywhere, anytime