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How to pronounce Ottawa

How to Pronounce "Ottawa"

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

Phonetic Spelling:

aw-tuh-wuh, pronounced as aw-tuh-wah

How to say "Ottawa" correctly

Understanding the meanings of Ottawa.

  • The capital of Canada, in southeast Ontario, on the Ottawa River; population 934,243 (2006).
  • A river in southeastern Canada, the chief tributary of the Saint Lawrence River; length 1,130 km (702 miles).
  • A member of a North American Indian people of the Ottawa River valley.
  • The dialect of Ojibwa spoken by the Ottawa people.
  • A city in east central Illinois, in the central part of the state.

Using Ottawa in a complete sentence:

  • I visited Ottawa, the beautiful capital city of Canada.
  • The Ottawa River flows through the city of Ottawa.
  • The Ottawa people have a rich cultural heritage.
  • She is studying the Ottawa dialect of the Ojibwa language.
  • Ottawa, Illinois is known for its historic architecture.

Words close in sound to Ottawa:

Oklahoma, Atlanta, Toronto, Montreal, Albany, Ocala, Oxford, Olympia, Odessa,

Synonyms for Ottawa

Capital city, Ottawa River, Ottawa people, Ojibwa dialect, Ontario, Canada, City, Metropolis, Town, Urban center,

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Ways to learn to say “Ottawa” better

Here are a few techniques that should help you perfect your pronunciation of ‘Ottawa‘:

  • Break ‘Ottawa’ down into each individual sound, speak it out loud and exaggerate the sounds until you can consistently repeat it without mistakes.
  • Record ‘Ottawa‘ in full sentences and then listen back. You should be able to find any of your mistakes quite easily.
  • Find more videos on Youtube on how to pronounce ‘Ottawa‘ correctly.
  • Choose a single accent: mixing multiple accents can sometimes confuse people, and not just beginners. So pick just one accent (US or UK), perhaps American and stick to it.


A few more tips\techniques to boost your English accent and pronunciation, it’s advised to learn these methods:

Practicing contraction and abbreviation in speech is standard in the U.S. and is seen as a natural part of informal dialogue. For example, changing “what are you going to do this weekend” to “what you gonna do this weekend” is commonplace. Explore terms like ‘gonna’ and ‘wanna’ for additional understanding.

Enhancing your intonation is vital for English fluency. The patterns of stress, rhythm, and pitch in English are key in conveying your message and feelings. Numerous resources and videos on Youtube can assist you in learning these elements to pronounce ‘Ottawa’.

Engage with a number of Youtube channels dedicated to English learning. These platforms offer free resources that tackle essential language skills. Pronounce.tv is one more excellent source for improving your pronunciation.

Copying native speakers can significantly improve your pronunciation. Listen to how they pronounce ‘Ottawa’ and try to replicate the tone, speed, and rhythm in your speech, making it habitual.

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a specific way Canadians prefer to pronounce Ottawa?

In Canada, the pronunciation of Ottawa can vary depending on regional dialects and accents. However, the most common and generally accepted way to pronounce Ottawa in Canada is “A-wuh-tuh” with the emphasis on the first syllable. Some people may also pronounce it as “Aa-wuh-tuh” with a slight elongation of the first syllable. Overall, both pronunciations are widely recognized and used in Canada, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and regional influences.

How do Canadian pronounce Canada?

In Canada, the word “Canada” is typically pronounced as “kan-uh-duh” or “kan-uh-da” by most Canadians. The emphasis is usually placed on the first syllable, with a short “a” sound. However, there may be slight variations in pronunciation depending on the region or accent of the speaker. Overall, the pronunciation of “Canada” in Canada is quite straightforward and does not differ significantly from the standard English pronunciation of the word.

How should Ottawa be pronounced according to native English speakers?

According to native English speakers, Ottawa should be pronounced as “AH-tuh-wuh.” The emphasis is on the first syllable, with a short “o” sound followed by a schwa sound in the second syllable. It is important to note that the pronunciation may vary slightly depending on regional accents, but the general consensus is to avoid pronouncing the “t” at the end of the first syllable and to place the stress on the first syllable.

How is Ottawa supposed to be pronounced?

The correct pronunciation of Ottawa is “ah-tah-wah.” Despite how it is spelled, the emphasis is on the first syllable, and the “O” is pronounced as “ah” rather than “oh.” It is a common mistake to assume it is pronounced with an “oh” sound, but the correct pronunciation follows the phonetic breakdown of “ah-tah-wah.” This pronunciation is important to remember when referring to the capital city of Canada or discussing any related topics.

What is the correct pronunciation of Ottawa in English Canada?

In English Canada, the correct pronunciation of Ottawa is “AH-tuh-wah.” The emphasis is on the first syllable, with a short “ah” sound. It is important to note that the pronunciation may vary slightly depending on regional accents within Canada, but the most widely accepted pronunciation is as described.

Can you provide guidance on how to correctly say Ottawa, as natives do?

The correct way to pronounce Ottawa, as natives do, is “AHH-tuh-wah.” The emphasis is on the first syllable, and the “t” in the second syllable is pronounced softly, almost like a “d” sound. It is important to avoid pronouncing the “t” too strongly or emphasizing the second syllable, as this is not how it is pronounced by locals in Ottawa, Canada. Remember to keep the vowels short and crisp, and you’ll be saying Ottawa like a native in no time!

In what manner do Canadians typically say Ottawa?

Canadians typically pronounce the name of their capital city, Ottawa, as “AH-tuh-wuh.” The emphasis is usually placed on the first syllable, with a short “a” sound. This pronunciation is consistent with the general Canadian English accent, which tends to have a more neutral and less pronounced accent compared to some regional accents in the United States. It is worth noting that pronunciation can vary slightly depending on the region within Canada, but “AH-tuh-wuh” is generally considered the standard way to say Ottawa across the country.

Could you explain the proper pronunciation of Ottawa as used in Canada?

In Canada, the proper pronunciation of Ottawa is “AH-tuh-wah.” The emphasis is placed on the first syllable, with a short “a” sound followed by a “t” sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a short “uh” sound, and the final syllable is pronounced with a soft “wah” sound. It is important to note that the pronunciation of Ottawa may vary slightly depending on regional accents within Canada, but the most common and widely accepted pronunciation is “AH-tuh-wah.”

Is Ottawa a native word?

The word “Ottawa” is not a native English word, but rather a loanword that originates from the Algonquian language. It comes from the self-designation “odaawaa” of the Ottawa people, who are indigenous to the region. The term was first recorded in French as “Outaouan” in 1641. The Ottawa language is a dialect of the Ojibwe language, which belongs to the larger Algonquian language family. Therefore, while the word “Ottawa” may not be a native English word, it does have native origins in the indigenous languages of the Ottawa people.

How do Canadians say Ottawa?

Canadians typically pronounce the capital city of Canada, Ottawa, as “aw-tuh-wuh.” The emphasis is usually placed on the first syllable, “aw,” with a slight emphasis on the second syllable, “tuh.” The “wa” sound is often pronounced as a short “aw” sound, rather than a longer “ah” sound. It is important to note that pronunciation can vary slightly depending on the region within Canada and individual accents.

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