Learn How to Pronounce zoo
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How to pronounce:
zoo
Definition:
(nou) the facility where wild animals are housed for exhibition
Phonetic Transcription:
zuː
Examples:
All the animals in the petting zoo are domesticated.
The elephants are in the zoo.
There are fifty bears in the zoo.
Learn more about:zoo
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How to perfect your pronunciation of: zoo
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Common mistakes of zoo pronunciation
- Misplacing the vowel sound: Some learners pronounce "zoo" with a short vowel sound, like in "cat". This is incorrect. The correct pronunciation is /zuː/ in both US and UK English. Tip: Focus on elongating the "oo" sound.
- Incorrect stress placement: A common mistake is stressing the first syllable, resulting in "ZOO". However, "zoo" is a single-syllable word with no additional stress. Tip: Remember that "zoo" has only one syllable, so there is no need for stress variation.
- Overemphasizing the "z": Some speakers might pronounce "zoo" with a heavy emphasis on the "z", making it sound harsh. The correct pronunciation is softer, as in /zuː/. Tip: Practice saying "zoo" gently to avoid excessive force on the "z".
- Confusing with similar words: Learners sometimes confuse "zoo" with "sue", leading to mispronunciation. "Zoo" has a distinct "z" sound, while "sue" starts with an "s" sound. Tip: Pay attention to the initial consonant sounds to differentiate between these words.
- Neglecting the length of the vowel: Some may shorten the vowel in "zoo", pronouncing it like "zuh". This changes the meaning and is incorrect. The correct pronunciation is /zuː/. Tip: Practice holding the "oo" sound longer to ensure clarity.