2 syllables: Co, chise. Stress on chise.
koh-CHEYEZ
/koʊˈtʃaɪz/
Cochise is pronounced koh-CHEYEZ (/koʊˈtʃaɪz/). It has two syllables (Co-chise), with the stress on "chise". Cochise is a proper noun, most famously the name of a Chiricahua Apache leader. In modern usage it designates the surname of people or places and can reference the historical figure or media-derived names. It’s typically pronounced with two syllables and a longer final vowel, and it carries cultural and historical associations beyond a simple label.
nounCochise is a proper noun, most famously the name of a Chiricahua Apache leader. In modern usage it designates the surname of people or places and can reference the historical figure or media-derived names. It’s typically pronounced with two syllables and a longer final vowel, and it carries cultural and historical associations beyond a simple label.
"Cochise led his people with fierce determination in the 19th century."
"The Cochise family restored the old ranch near the border."
"A museum exhibit honors Cochise and his role in Apache history."
Pronunciation: /ˌkoʊˈtʃiːz/ (US) or /ˌkəʊˈtʃiːz/ (UK/AU). Primary stress on the second syllable “-chi-,” with the “co” syllable carrying secondary weight. Start with a long “ko” or “koʊ,” then a stressed “chi” as /tʃiː/, ending with a voiced z. Tip: keep the final vowel long and avoid tensing the ending. Audio references: you can compare to native speech on Pronounce or YouGlish.”,
Common mistakes include: (1) misplacing stress, pronouncing it as /ˈkoʊtʃiːz/ with first-syllable stress rather than second; (2) shortening the final /iː/ to a quick /ɪ/ or stopping before the final /z/. Correction tips: rehearse /ˌkoʊˈtʃiːz/ focusing on a full, long /iː/ and a clear /z/ at the end; emphasize the /tʃ/ as a single sound; use minimal pairs to lock in the two-syllable rhythm.”,
In US English the syllable count is two and the /oʊ/ on the first syllable is prominent; in UK/AU you’ll hear /ˌkəʊˈtʃiːz/ with possibly a lighter initial unstressed /ə/ and a less rhotic onset. The stressed /tʃiː/ remains the core. The final /z/ is voiced across dialects; some speakers may voice it as a near-diphthong before voicing. Overall, stress pattern is similar, but vowel quality of the first syllable shifts from /oʊ/ to /əʊ/ or /ə/ depending on dialectal vowel shifts.”,
The difficulty lies in the two-syllable structure with a stressed second syllable and the vowel timing of /oʊ/ before a palatal /tʃ/ cluster. Also, the final /-ise/ sounds like /-iːz/ rather than a simple /-iz/, so you must sustain the /iː/ before voicing /z/. Learners often misplace stress or merge /tʃiː/ as /tʃi/ with a shorter vowel.
A common, unique concern is whether the name should sound like “Coh-KEEZ” or “Koh-CHEEZ.” The correct, widely accepted form is /ˌkoʊˈtʃiːz/ (US) or /ˌkəʊˈtʃiːz/ (UK/AU), with the second syllable stressed and a long /iː/ before the final /z/. Avoid misleading blends like /ˈkoʊtʃɪz/ and ensure the /tʃ/ remains firmly attached to the /iː/.
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Cochise is an Apache surname and the name of a renowned Chiricahua Apache chief, who served as a prominent leader in the 1860s–1870s. The etymology is tied to Apache language and tribal naming conventions; the exact Ursprung is tied to a personal name attributed to a rank or title within the Apache community. Early written forms appear in 19th-century American records and translations by settlers and military personnel, often rendered as “Co-chise” or “Co-chí-se” in various orthographies. The modern spelling Cochise reflects Anglophone transcription conventions, preserving the two-syllable pattern while signaling the final long “e” or “ee” quality in some pronunciations. While the historical origin is zygomatic to Apache linguistics and memory culture, the name has since become embedded in American history and popular culture—appearing in literature, film, and place-naming—thereby expanding its semantic footprint beyond the personal name to a cultural symbol associated with strength and resistance.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Cochise" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Cochise"
-ase sounds
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