Learn How to Pronounce zebra

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zebra

Definition:

(nou) any of several fleet black-and-white striped African equines

Phonetic Transcription:

ˈzebrə

Examples:

However stripes do help the zebra hide in the herd.

However, stripes do help the zebra hide in the herd.

But the lion does not rape the zebra.

Learn more about:
zebra

Related Words:

horse

stripe

How to perfect your pronunciation of: zebra

Learn Individual Sounds

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

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Avoid mixing word pronunciations. If you’re learning American English, stick to it and try not to confuse yourself with British pronunciation.

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Common mistakes of zebra pronunciation

Misplacing the stress: Some learners incorrectly stress the second syllable, saying "ze-BRA" instead of the correct "ZE-bra" (ˈzɛb.rə). Tip: Remember that the primary stress is on the first syllable.
Incorrect vowel sounds: A common error is pronouncing the "e" as "ee," resulting in "zeeb-ra." The correct pronunciation has a short "e" sound, as in "bed" (ˈzɛb.rə). Tip: Practice saying "bed" to get the right vowel sound.
Adding an extra syllable: Some people mistakenly say "ze-bra" instead of "zebra" (ˈzɛb.rə). This adds an unnecessary syllable. Tip: Focus on blending the sounds smoothly to maintain the two-syllable structure.
Confusing with "zebras": When pluralizing, some may say "zebras" with an incorrect stress pattern, like "ze-BRAS." The correct form is "ZE-bras" (ˈzɛb.rəz). Tip: Keep the stress consistent with the singular form.
Mixing up regional pronunciations: In the UK, "zebra" is often pronounced with a long "e" sound (ˈziː.brə), while in the US, it's pronounced with a short "e." Tip: Be aware of these regional differences and practice both pronunciations for flexibility.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "zebra" in American English?

In American English, "zebra" is pronounced as /ˈziː.brə/. The stress is on the first syllable, which sounds like "zee," followed by a softer "bra."

What is the British pronunciation of "zebra"?

In British English, "zebra" is pronounced as /ˈzɛb.rə/. Here, the first syllable is stressed, and it sounds like "zeb," which is different from the American pronunciation.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "zebra"?

One common mistake is misplacing the stress, saying "ze-bra" instead of "ZEE-bra." It's essential to focus on the correct syllable to ensure clear communication.

Does "zebra" have a schwa sound in its pronunciation?

Yes, the second syllable in "zebra" contains a schwa sound, represented as /rə/. This is a quick and unstressed vowel sound, making it less pronounced than the first syllable.