Kakapo is a rare, nocturnal parrot native to New Zealand, notable for being flightless and critically endangered. The term refers to the species (Strigops habroptilus) and is used widely in conservation contexts as well as ornithology. In everyday use, it denotes the bird itself and related conservation discussions.
- You may over-clarify the middle syllable, making it sound like /ˈkæk.əˈpoʊ/; keep the middle syllable as a quick, unstressed /ə/. - Avoid finalizing too early; let the diphthong in the last syllable breathe to /oʊ/ rather than a clipped /o/. - Do not flatten vowels; retain the short /æ/ in the first syllable and avoid turning it into a broad /æː/ in casual speech. Practice with slow articulation and then speed up.
- US: clear /ˈkæ.kə.poʊ/, emphasize final diphthong; maintain non-rhotic rhythm. - UK: /ˈkæk.ə.pəʊ/ – link the middle /ə/ more tightly to the final /əʊ/; ensure final /əʊ/ is rounded. - AU: /ˈkæ.kə.pəʊ/ with close-mid back /ə/ vowels; keep vowel length short in the middle and let final /əʊ/ float.
"The kakapo is one of New Zealand's most iconic and endangered species."
"Researchers tagged a kakapo to monitor its health and breeding habits."
"Conservationists launched a breeding program to protect the kakapo population."
"On the sanctuary tour, visitors learned about the kakapo's nocturnal life and calls."
Kakapo originates from the Maori language of New Zealand. The word is composed of possible onomatopoeic or descriptive roots capturing the bird’s features or its nocturnal calls, as is common in indigenous naming practices for fauna. The scientific name Strigops habroptilus derives from Greek: Strigos- meaning bird of prey or bird, and -ops meaning face or appearance; habroptilus combines Greek habro- (“soft, delicate”) with -ptilus (“feather”), a nod to the bird’s soft plumage and distinctive facial disc. Early European naturalists adopted the Maori term in the 19th and early 20th centuries while cataloging New Zealand’s avifauna. The kakapo has long fascinated researchers due to its flightlessness, lek breeding system, and extraordinary longevity. The term entered wider usage in conservation literature as the species’ critical status drew attention in global avifaunal studies, though it remains primarily associated with New Zealand ecology and Maori cultural contexts.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Kakapo" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Kakapo" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Kakapo" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Kakapo"
--up sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
Pronounce as kah-KA-poh with three syllables. IPA: US /ˈkæ.kə.poʊ/, UK /ˈkæk.ə.pəʊ/, AU /ˈkæ.kə.pəʊ/. Emphasize the first syllable, keep the middle unstressed, and finish with a rounded /oʊ/ or /əʊ/ depending on accent. Think of saying ‘cack’ then a quick ‘a’ then ‘poh’.
Common errors include flattening the vowels so /æ/ becomes a dull /æː/ throughout, misplacing stress on the second syllable, or mispronouncing the final /poʊ/ as /po/ or /poʊt/. To correct: keep first syllable crisp /ˈkæ/; second syllable unstressed /ə/; end with a rounded /poʊ/ or /pəʊ/; practice with slow increments and choral drills.
In US English, stress on the first syllable with /ˈkæ/ and a clear /oʊ/ at the end. UK tends to centralize the second vowel slightly, giving /ˈkæk.ə.pəʊ/ with a clearer final /əʊ/. Australian often reduces the middle vowel a touch and utilizes /ˈkæ.kə.pəʊ/ with a more fronted vowel in the first syllable. Overall, endings favor /oʊ/ or /əʊ/ in all varieties.
Three main challenges: a three-syllable structure with a rapid second syllable and a final rounded diphthong. The central vowel /ə/ in the second syllable can be weak or reduced in casual speech, making it easy to misplace stress. The combination of /k/ + /æ/ + /k/ in the first two syllables requires precise tongue positioning to avoid a hardened or clipped /k/ sound.
The word often triggers a strong first-stress pattern with a gentle trailing glide in the final /poʊ/ or /pəʊ/. You’ll hear some speakers insert a tiny schwa in the middle /ˈkæ.kə.pəʊ/ vs a tighter /ˈkæ.kəpoʊ/; both are acceptable, but consistent pronunciation helps recognition in scientific and conservation contexts.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "Kakapo"!
- Shadowing: listen to native conservation talks on Kakapo projects; mimic timing and rhythm for 30 seconds per iteration. - Minimal pairs: kakapo vs kakapo? No; use surrounding context minimal pairs such as /kæ/ vs /kɒ/ in surrounding phrase: ‘the kakapo program’ vs ‘the kākāpō program’. - Rhythm: practice a 3-syllable phrase with primary stress on the first syllable and small stress on the rest. - Stress practice: hold first syllable longer, then reduce stress on middle syllable, final diphthong should be clear. - Recording: record yourself saying the word in a sentence, compare with professional pronunciation; adjust jaw and lip shapes accordingly.
No related words found
