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How to pronounce Hippopotamus

How to Pronounce "Hippopotamus"

Definition: How to say "Hippopotamus" and use it in a sentence

Phonetic Spelling:

hip-uh-pot-uh-muhs (pronounced as hip-uh-pot-uh-muhs)

How to say "Hippopotamus" correctly

Here are some definitions of Hippopotamus.

  • A large, chiefly aquatic African mammal with a bulky body, short legs, and a large mouth.
  • A very large herbivorous mammal of sub-Saharan Africa, with massive jaws and large tusks.
  • A large thick-skinned herbivorous mammal living in or near water in Africa, with massive jaws and tusks.
  • A large thick-skinned mammal found in Africa, having a broad mouth and short legs.
  • A large, mostly herbivorous mammal in Africa, with massive jaws and tusks.

Learn to use Hippopotamus correctly with the following examples:

  • The hippopotamus is often considered one of the most dangerous animals in Africa.
  • Tourists enjoyed watching the hippopotamus basking in the sun by the river.
  • The hippopotamus spends most of its day submerged in water to keep cool.
  • A group of hippos is called a bloat, and they are known for their loud grunts and territorial behavior.
  • Hippopotamuses can run surprisingly fast on land despite their large size.

Words close in sound to Hippopotamus:

Hippopotami, Hippopotamuses, Hippopotamid, Hippopotamine, Hippopotamoid, Hippopotamian, Hippopotamid, Hippopotamene, Hippopotamid, Hippopotamize,

Synonyms for Hippopotamus

River horse, Hippo, Water horse, River cow, Mud horse, Lake cow, Nile horse, Sea cow, Kiboko, River pig,

Review Hippopotamus
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How you can pronounce English words more accurately

Here are some things to remember that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Hippopotamus‘:

  • Try to Break ‘Hippopotamus’ down into each individual sound, say it out loud whilst exaggerating each sound until you can consistently repeat it without mistakes.
  • Record yourself saying ‘Hippopotamus‘ in a full sentence and then listen back. You’ll be able to mark your flaws quite easily.
  • Find pronounciation videos on Google for how to pronounce ‘Hippopotamus‘ correctly.
  • Focus on a single accent: mixing multiple accents could get really confusing, especially for beginners. So pick one accent, perhaps American and master that.


A few more ideas to boost your English pronunciation skills, it’s advised to learn the following methods:

Practicing verbal shortening in speech is common in the U.S. and is seen as a regular element of casual conversation. For example, changing “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is standard practice. Delve into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for additional insights.

Improving your intonation is essential for English fluency. The patterns of stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are crucial in communicating your message and feelings. Many resources and videos on Youtube can aid you in understanding these aspects to pronounce ‘Hippopotamus’.

Engage with multiple Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer complimentary resources that tackle essential language skills. Pronounce.tv is another superb source for honing your pronunciation.

Mimicking native speakers can significantly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they articulate ‘Hippopotamus’ and try to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it a part of your routine.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily routine. Understanding and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you improve your pronunciation of words that are difficult or unfamiliar.

Consistently speak English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more proficient you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, improving your overall ability to communicate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the accurate pronunciation of the term hippopotamus in English?

The accurate pronunciation of the term “hippopotamus” in English is typically pronounced as “hip-uh-pot-uh-muhs.” The stress is usually placed on the second syllable, “pot.” It is important to note that regional accents and variations in pronunciation may result in slight differences in how the word is pronounced, but the general pronunciation follows the pattern mentioned above.

What is the right way to say the word hippopotamus phonetically?

The word “hippopotamus” is pronounced phonetically as “hip-uh-pot-uh-muhs.” Each syllable in the word is pronounced clearly and distinctly: “hip” as in hip, “uh” as in the schwa sound, “pot” as in pot, “uh” again as in the schwa sound, and “muhs” as in moose. It is important to enunciate each syllable clearly to properly pronounce the word “hippopotamus.”

What is the standard pronunciation of the word hippopotamus?

The standard pronunciation of the word “hippopotamus” is typically given as “hip-uh-pot-uh-muhs” in American English. The emphasis is usually placed on the second syllable, “pot.” However, it is worth noting that pronunciation can vary slightly depending on regional accents and dialects. In British English, the pronunciation may sound more like “hip-oh-pot-uh-muhs” with the emphasis on the first syllable. Ultimately, as long as the word is understood, variations in pronunciation are generally acceptable.

What is the proper way to pronounce the word hippopotamus?

The proper way to pronounce the word “hippopotamus” is hi-puh-POT-uh-muhs. The emphasis is on the second syllable, “pot.” The first syllable is pronounced with a short “i” sound, and the final syllable is pronounced as “uh-muhs.” It is important to enunciate each syllable clearly and avoid blending the sounds together.

How do you read a hippopotamus?

To read a hippopotamus, you would typically refer to books, articles, or online resources that provide information about this large mammal. Reading about hippopotamuses can involve learning about their physical characteristics, behavior, habitat, diet, and conservation status. It can also involve studying scientific research and studies conducted on hippopotamuses to gain a deeper understanding of their biology and ecology. Additionally, reading about hippopotamuses in the context of literature, folklore, or cultural references can provide insights into how these animals are perceived and represented in different societies. Overall, reading about hippopotamuses can be a fascinating and educational experience that allows you to appreciate the complexity and importance of these unique creatures in the natural world.

How do you say hippo in American English?

In American English, the word “hippo” is the shortened form of “hippopotamus,” which is the correct term for the large, mostly herbivorous mammal found in sub-Saharan Africa. The pronunciation of “hippo” in American English is typically /ˈhɪpoʊ/ or “hip-oh,” with the emphasis on the first syllable. The word “hippopotamus” originates from the Greek words “hippos” meaning “horse” and “potamos” meaning “river,” reflecting the animal’s semi-aquatic nature. Hippos are known for their large size, barrel-shaped bodies, massive jaws, and semi-aquatic lifestyle in rivers and lakes.

What is the phonetic sound of a hippopotamus?

The phonetic sound of a hippopotamus can be broken down into five syllables: [HIP] + [UH] + [POT] + [UH] + [MUHS]. When pronouncing the word “hippopotamus,” you should emphasize each syllable to clearly enunciate the sounds. The first syllable is “HIP,” the second is “UH,” the third is “POT,” the fourth is “UH,” and the fifth is “MUHS.” By breaking down the word into these distinct sounds, you can accurately pronounce the phonetic sound of a hippopotamus.

How is the word hippopotamus pronounced in American English?

In American English, the word “hippopotamus” is typically pronounced as “hip-uh-PAH-tuh-muhs.” The stress is usually placed on the third syllable, “PAH.” The first syllable is pronounced as “hip,” the second syllable as “uh,” and the fourth syllable as “muhs.” This pronunciation is commonly used in American English, but variations may exist depending on regional accents or dialects.

What’s the correct pronunciation of hippopotamus?

The correct pronunciation of “hippopotamus” is “hip-uh-pot-uh-mus.” The word is broken down into syllables as “hip-po-pot-a-mus,” with the emphasis placed on the second syllable, “pot.” The plural form of “hippopotamus” is “hippopotamuses” or “hippopotami,” pronounced as “hip-uh-pot-uh-muh-siz” or “hip-uh-pot-uh-my,” respectively.

How should I correctly say the word hippopotamus?

The word “hippopotamus” is pronounced as “hip-uh-pot-uh-muhs.” It is a four-syllable word with the emphasis on the second syllable, “pot.” The first syllable is pronounced as “hip,” the second as “pot,” the third as “uh,” and the fourth as “muhs.” It is important to enunciate each syllable clearly and avoid blending them together to pronounce the word correctly.

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