Learn How to Pronounce panama

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panama

Definition:

(nou) a republic on the Isthmus of Panama; achieved independence from Colombia in 1903 (nou) a stiff hat made of straw with a flat crown

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Common mistakes of panama pronunciation

  1. Stress placement: Many learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "pan-ˈa-ma". The correct pronunciation is "ˈpæn.ə.mə" in both US and UK English. Tip: Emphasize the first syllable for clarity.
  2. Vowel sound confusion: Some may pronounce "panama" with a long "a" as in "father", saying "ˈpɑː.nə.mə". In reality, the first vowel is a short "a" as in "cat". Tip: Practice with words like "man" to master the short "a" sound.
  3. Syllable omission: A common mistake is dropping the final syllable, resulting in "ˈpæn.ə". This makes the word incomplete and unclear. Tip: Always pronounce all three syllables in "panama" to ensure correct identification.
  4. Incorrect vowel in the second syllable: Some learners may say "pan-ə-ˈma" with a stressed second syllable. The second syllable should be a schwa sound, "ə", making it "ˈpæn.ə.mə". Tip: Focus on the relaxed sound of the second syllable.
  5. Mispronouncing the final "a": Some may stress the final "a" incorrectly, saying "panama" with a clear "a" sound. The correct pronunciation has a reduced vowel sound, "ə". Tip: Practice saying "banana" to get comfortable with the reduced vowel sound.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "panama" in American English?

In American English, "panama" is pronounced as /ˈpæn.ə.mɑ/. The stress is on the first syllable, and the "a" in the last syllable sounds like "ah."

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

No significant difference exists in the pronunciation of "panama" between British and American English. Both varieties use the same IPA: /ˈpæn.ə.mɑ/, with the primary stress still on the first syllable.

What syllables are in the word "panama"?

The word "panama" has three syllables: "pan," "a," and "ma." Each syllable is pronounced clearly, with the first syllable receiving the most emphasis.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "panama"?

A common mistake is misplacing the stress, often pronouncing it as /pæn.əˈmɑ/, which emphasizes the last syllable instead. Remember to stress the first syllable for accurate pronunciation.
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