Learn How to Pronounce penguin

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penguin

Definition:

(nou) short-legged flightless birds of cold southern especially Antarctic regions having webbed feet and wings modified as flippers

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈpeŋɡwɪn

Examples:

The cereal links to the penguin.

He provided the voice of the penguin.

I've seen a penguin spawning in winter.

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penguin

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: penguin

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Common mistakes of penguin pronunciation

  1. Incorrect vowel sound: Many pronounce "penguin" with an "e" as in "pen" instead of the correct "e" sound as in "pet" (ˈpɛŋɡwɪn). Tip: Focus on the "e" sound in "pet" for accuracy.
  2. Misplaced stress: Some learners stress the second syllable, saying "pen-'GU-in" instead of the correct primary stress on the first syllable "PEN-gwin" (ˈpɛŋɡwɪn). Tip: Remember to emphasize the first syllable for proper pronunciation.
  3. Overemphasis on "g": A common mistake is overemphasizing the "g" sound, making it sound harsh. The "g" should be soft, almost blending into the "w" (ˈpɛŋɡwɪn). Tip: Practice saying "penguin" smoothly to avoid a jarring "g" sound.
  4. Dropping the "w": Some people might drop the "w" sound, pronouncing it as "pen-gin." This alters the word and can confuse listeners (ˈpɛŋɡwɪn). Tip: Ensure you pronounce the "w" clearly to maintain the word's integrity.
  5. Confusing "n" and "m": A few might mistakenly pronounce "penguin" with an "m" sound, saying "pem-gwin" instead (ˈpɛŋɡwɪn). Tip: Pay attention to the "n" sound at the end of the first syllable to avoid this mix-up.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "penguin" in American English?

In American English, "penguin" is pronounced as /ˈpɛŋɡwɪn/. The stress is on the first syllable "pen", sounding like "pen" in "pencil".

What is the correct British pronunciation of "penguin"?

In British English, "penguin" is pronounced the same way as in American English, /ˈpɛŋɡwɪn/. The stress pattern remains consistent, with emphasis on the first syllable.

Does "penguin" have any silent letters?

No, "penguin" does not have any silent letters. Each letter in the word is pronounced, making it straightforward to say.

How many syllables are in the word "penguin"?

The word "penguin" has two syllables: "pen" and "guin". You can easily break it down as /ˈpɛŋ/ and /ɡwɪn/ to practice pronunciation.
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