Learn How to Pronounce giraffe

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:

giraffe

Definition:

(nou) tallest living quadruped; having a spotted coat and small horns and very long neck and legs; of savannahs of tropical Africa

Phonetic Transcription:

dʒɪˈrɑːf

Examples:

The case was of the variety known as giraffe.

The giraffe and baboon are extinct in Eritrea.

But the okapi is most closely related to the giraffe.

Learn more about:

giraffe

Related Words:

How to perfect your pronunciation of: giraffe

Learn Individual Sounds

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

Copy Others

Use the tools above to find out how different people say giraffe 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 giraffe in the pronunciation tool as many times as it takes before you get it right. Record yourself saying different sentences with giraffe.

Get a Native Tutor

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

Common mistakes of giraffe pronunciation

  1. Misplacing stress: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "gi-ˈraffe". The correct pronunciation is "ˈdʒɪr.æf" in both US and UK English. Tip: Focus on the first syllable for proper emphasis.
  2. Incorrect vowel sound: Some people pronounce the "i" in "giraffe" as "ee" (like in "see"), resulting in "gee-ˈraffe". The correct sound is "ɪ" as in "bit". Tip: Practice saying "giraffe" with a short "i" to avoid this mistake.
  3. Omitting the "g": A common error is dropping the initial "g", leading to "iraffe". The correct pronunciation begins with the "g" sound, "dʒ". Tip: Remember to articulate the "g" clearly at the start of the word.
  4. Confusing the ending: Some learners might pronounce "giraffe" with a long "a", sounding like "gi-raf". The correct ending is "æf", not "aaf". Tip: Emphasize the "æ" sound to ensure clarity in the last syllable.
  5. Mispronouncing the "r": Some might pronounce "giraffe" with a softer "r", resulting in "gi-ahf". The correct pronunciation has a clear "r" sound, "r" as in "red". Tip: Focus on making the "r" distinct while pronouncing the word.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "giraffe" correctly?

In American English, "giraffe" is pronounced as /dʒɪˈræf/, with the stress on the second syllable. In British English, it is also pronounced as /dʒɪˈrɑːf/, with a longer "a" sound in the second syllable.

What are the syllables in the word "giraffe"?

The word "giraffe" has two syllables: "gi" and "raffe." The first syllable is pronounced like the "ji" in "jigsaw," and the second syllable rhymes with "staff."

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "giraffe"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often saying "gi-RAFF" instead of "gi-RAFF." Remember to focus on the correct syllable stress, which is on the second syllable.

Does "giraffe" have any silent letters?

No, there are no silent letters in "giraffe." Each letter is pronounced, making it straightforward for learners to say the word correctly.
Improve your pronunciation with a convenient app anywhere, anytime