Learn How to Pronounce gnu

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gnu

Definition:

(nou) large African antelope having a head with horns like an ox and a long tufted tail

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: gnu

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Common mistakes of gnu pronunciation

Misplacing the initial sound: Some may pronounce "gnu" with a hard "g" sound, saying "gnu" as /ɡnuː/. Tip: Remember that "gnu" starts with a silent "g," so it sounds like /njuː/ in both US and UK English.
Overemphasizing the vowel: People often stress the vowel sound too heavily, pronouncing "gnu" as /nʊː/. Tip: Focus on a smooth transition, keeping the vowel sound light, resulting in /njuː/.
Ignoring the silent letter: Beginners might say "gnu" with the "g" pronounced, leading to confusion. Tip: Always remember that the "g" is silent, and the correct pronunciation is /njuː/.
Mixing up with similar words: Some confuse "gnu" with words like "new" or "knew," leading to mispronunciation. Tip: Practice saying "gnu" clearly as /njuː/ to distinguish it from those similar-sounding words.
Incorrect syllable stress: Some learners may place stress incorrectly, saying "gnu" with stress on the second syllable. Tip: The word "gnu" is a single syllable, so pronounce it as /njuː/ without added syllable stress.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "gnu"?

The pronunciation of "gnu" is /ɡnuː/ in both American and British English. It has one syllable and the stress is on the only vowel sound.

Is there a difference between the US and UK pronunciation of "gnu"?

There is no significant difference in the pronunciation of "gnu" between US and UK English; both use /ɡnuː/. The word is pronounced the same way in both dialects.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "gnu"?

One common mistake is pronouncing "gnu" as /nʊ/ or /nuː/, which can lead to confusion. The correct pronunciation emphasizes the "g" sound at the beginning, so it's important to say /ɡnuː/.

What does the "g" in "gnu" represent in pronunciation?

In "gnu," the "g" is pronounced as a hard "g" sound /ɡ/. This is an exception to some English words where "g" can be silent, but in this case, it is clearly articulated.