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How to pronounce Orangutan

How to Pronounce "Orangutan"

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

Phonetic Spelling:

uh-RANG-uh-tan (pronounced as /əˈræŋɡʊˌtæn/)

How to say "Orangutan" correctly

Here are some definitions of Orangutan.

  • A large mainly herbivorous arboreal ape of Borneo and Sumatra.
  • A large, long-armed ape that is native to the forests of Borneo and Sumatra.
  • A large, mostly herbivorous ape that has long arms and reddish-brown hair.
  • A large, gentle ape that has long arms and reddish-brown hair, native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra.
  • An arboreal anthropoid ape (Pongo pygmaeus) of Borneo and Sumatra that is about 2/3 as large as the gorilla and chiefly vegetarian in diet.

Practice using Orangutan in a complete sentence:

  • Orangutans are known for their distinctive reddish-brown hair and long arms.
  • Conservation efforts are underway to protect the habitats of orangutans.
  • Orangutans are highly intelligent primates, known for their problem-solving skills.
  • Tourists can observe orangutans in their natural habitat in certain wildlife sanctuaries.
  • The orphaned orangutan was rescued and rehabilitated before being released back into the wild.

Related words to Orangutan:

Orangetail, Orangewood, Orangewort, Oranger, Orangery, Orangewood, Orangewort, Orangite, Orangist, Oranienbaum,

Synonyms for Orangutan

Great ape, Red ape, Forest person, Man of the woods, Old man of the forest, Person of the forest, Orang, Orang-utan, Orang-outang, Wild man of the woods,

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How you can pronounce English words more accurately

Here are some techniques that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Orangutan‘:

  • Break down ‘Orangutan’ into each individual vowel, say it aloud whilst exaggerating the sounds until you can consistently repeat it without mistakes.
  • Try to record yourself saying ‘Orangutan‘ in a full sentence and then watch or listen back. You’ll be able to mark your mistakes quite easily.
  • Look up more tutorials on Youtube on how to pronounce ‘Orangutan‘ correctly.
  • Choose a single accent: when you mix multiple accents, it can confuse people, especially for beginners. So select one accent, perhaps US and master that first.


More tips\techniques to enhance your English accent and pronunciation, we recommend learn the following methods:

Practicing contraction and abbreviation in speech is common in the U.S. and is viewed as a natural part of informal dialogue. For instance, changing “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is commonplace. Delve into terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for more information.

Enhancing your intonation is vital for English fluency. The patterns of stress, rhythm, and pitch in English play a significant role in conveying your message and feelings. A plethora of resources and videos on Youtube can assist you in mastering these aspects to pronounce ‘Orangutan’.

Engage with multiple Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer no-cost resources that tackle crucial language skills. Pronounce.tv is an additional excellent source for enhancing your pronunciation.

Mimicking native speakers can markedly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they articulate ‘Orangutan’ and attempt to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it habitual.

Incorporate phonetic exercises into your daily routine. Learning and practicing the phonetic sounds of English can help you better pronounce words that are difficult or unfamiliar.

Consistently speak English in your daily conversations. The more you speak, the more comfortable you’ll become with the nuances of pronunciation and accent, boosting your overall communication skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do people in Malaysia pronounce orangutan differently than in the US?

Yes, people in Malaysia do pronounce “orangutan” differently than in the US. In Malaysia, the correct pronunciation is “awr-uhng-oo-tahn,” with the emphasis on the second syllable. This pronunciation closely follows the Malay language, which is the official language of Malaysia. In the US, the pronunciation is often closer to “awr-ang-uh-tan,” with the emphasis on the first syllable. The difference in pronunciation is mainly due to the influence of the English language in the US, which can lead to variations in the way certain words are pronounced compared to their original language.

Is there a historical reason for the variation in pronouncing orangutan with a hard or soft g?

The variation in pronouncing “orangutan” with a hard or soft “g” can be attributed to the historical evolution of the English language and the influence of different languages. The word “orangutan” originates from the Malay and Indonesian languages, where it is pronounced with a soft “g” sound. When the word was introduced into the English language, it retained its original pronunciation with a soft “g.” However, over time, English speakers began to pronounce it with a hard “g” sound, possibly due to the influence of other English words with a similar spelling pattern. This variation in pronunciation is not uncommon in language evolution, as words can undergo changes in pronunciation as they are adopted and adapted by different linguistic communities. Ultimately, both pronunciations are considered acceptable, as language is constantly evolving and adapting to the preferences and speech patterns of its speakers.

How do Australians say orangutan?

Australians typically pronounce “orangutan” as “OR-uhn-guh-tan” with the emphasis on the first syllable. The pronunciation of this word may vary slightly depending on the regional accent within Australia, but the general pronunciation follows the phonetic spelling provided. The word “orangutan” originates from the Malay and Indonesian languages, where it is pronounced similarly.

Is there a regional difference in the pronunciation of orangutan in Canada?

There is no significant regional difference in the pronunciation of “orangutan” in Canada. Generally, Canadians pronounce “orangutan” with the emphasis on the first syllable, as “OR-uhn-guh-tan.” The pronunciation is consistent across the country, with only minor variations in accent or intonation. The word “orangutan” comes from the Malay and Indonesian languages, and its pronunciation is relatively standardized internationally. However, individual variations in pronunciation may occur due to personal accents or dialects, but these differences are not specific to any particular region in Canada.

Do pronunciation guides for orangutan typically specify a hard or soft g sound?

Pronunciation guides for “orangutan” typically specify a hard “g” sound. In the word “orangutan,” the “g” is pronounced as a hard consonant, similar to the “g” sound in “go” or “great.” This pronunciation is consistent with the original Malay word “orang hutan,” which means “person of the forest.” While there may be variations in pronunciation due to regional accents or dialects, the standard pronunciation guide for “orangutan” emphasizes the hard “g” sound.

What is the proper way to pronounce orangutan in British English?

In British English, the proper way to pronounce “orangutan” is usually as /ɒˈræŋɡʊtæn/. The stress is typically on the second syllable, and the “g” sound is pronounced as a hard “g” like in “goat.” The first syllable is pronounced as “or” with a short “o” sound. It is important to note that there may be slight variations in pronunciation depending on regional accents or dialects within the UK, but the pronunciation provided here is generally accepted.

When did the pronunciation of orangutan with a hard g become more common?

The pronunciation of “orangutan” with a hard ‘g’ sound (as in “gorilla”) became more common in the mid-20th century. Previously, the word was often pronounced with a soft ‘g’ sound (as in “gentle”), reflecting its origin from the Malay language. However, as English speakers became more familiar with the word and its correct pronunciation, the hard ‘g’ sound began to be used more frequently. This shift in pronunciation can be attributed to increased awareness and education about the correct pronunciation of the word, as well as the influence of media and popular culture in shaping language trends.

Is orangutan pronounced or orangutang?

The correct pronunciation of the word “orangutan” is “or-uhng-uh-tan.” The word is derived from the Malay words “orang” meaning person and “hutan” meaning forest, so it literally translates to “person of the forest.” It is important to note that the pronunciation of “orangutan” does not include a “g” sound, so the correct pronunciation does not include “orangutang.”

Is the correct pronunciation of orangutan with a hard g or a soft g?

The correct pronunciation of “orangutan” is with a soft g sound, similar to the ‘j’ sound in the word “giant.” Therefore, it is pronounced as “or-uhng-uh-tan.” The word “orangutan” originates from the Malay and Indonesian languages, where the ‘g’ is pronounced as a soft sound. It is important to use the correct pronunciation out of respect for the language and culture from which the word originates.

Why do people pronounce orangutan with ag?

The pronunciation of “orangutan” with a hard “g” sound at the end, as in “orangutang,” is a common mispronunciation that has evolved over time. This pronunciation likely stems from the tendency in English to rhyme the second and last syllables of words. While some European languages may add a “g” sound to the end of the word, the correct spelling and pronunciation is “orangutan,” with a silent “g” at the end. This mispronunciation may have become popular due to the phonetic similarity to other words ending in “-ang” that do have a hard “g” sound, leading people to mistakenly apply the same pronunciation to “orangutan.”

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