Learn How to Pronounce pupil

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pupil

Definition:

(nou) a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution (nou) the contractile aperture in the center of the iris of the eye; resembles a large black dot (nou) a young person attending school (up through senior high school)

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈpjuːpəl

Examples:

The pupil was called by the school principal.

In Finland a truant pupil gets usually detention in comprehensive school.

The parents of the former pupil feel that the school has been negligent.

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pupil

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: pupil

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Common mistakes of pupil pronunciation

  1. Stress misplacement: Some learners place stress incorrectly, saying "PU-pil" instead of the correct "pu-PIL" (ˈpjuː.pəl in UK, ˈpjuː.pɪl in US). Tip: Remember that the second syllable carries the primary stress.
  2. Vowel confusion: The vowel sound in the first syllable can be mispronounced as "oo" instead of "yu." This leads to saying "poopil" instead of "pupil" (ˈpjuː.pəl/ˈpjuː.pɪl). Tip: Focus on the "yu" sound like in "few."
  3. Final consonant blending: Some speakers may blend the final "l" sound, pronouncing it as "pup" instead of "pupil." This alters the word's meaning. Tip: Clearly articulate the "l" at the end to maintain clarity.
  4. Incorrect vowel length: Learners might shorten the first vowel sound, saying "pupil" with a quick "u" instead of the longer "yu." This can confuse listeners. Tip: Practice elongating the "yu" sound to enhance pronunciation.
  5. Omitting the second syllable: A common mistake is to say "pup" instead of "pupil." This leads to misunderstanding. Tip: Always include both syllables to ensure you are understood correctly.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "pupil" in English?

In English, "pupil" is pronounced as /ˈpjuː.pəl/ in both US and UK English. The first syllable is stressed, and it sounds like "pew," while the second syllable is a softer "pəl," where the "u" is pronounced as a schwa.

What are the syllables in the word "pupil"?

The word "pupil" has two syllables: "pu" and "pil." The first syllable is pronounced with a long "u" sound, and the second syllable has a more relaxed vowel sound.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "pupil"?

A common mistake when pronouncing "pupil" is misplacing the stress on the second syllable, saying "pu-PIL." Remember to stress the first syllable, "PU-pil," to pronounce it correctly.

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

There is no significant difference in the pronunciation of "pupil" between American and British English; both use /ˈpjuː.pəl/. However, slight variations in accent may affect the overall sound, but the syllable stress remains the same.
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