2 syllables: Ko, dak. Stress on Ko.
KOH-dak
/ˈkoʊˌdæk/
Kodak is pronounced KOH-dak (/ˈkoʊˌdæk/). It has two syllables (Ko-dak), with the stress on "Ko". Kodak is a well-known brand name for cameras and imaging equipment. As a proper noun, it refers to the corporation and its products, often used in branding and media. The term carries trademark status and is commonly spoken with emphasis on the first syllable, reflecting English phonetics rather than a descriptive word.
nounKodak is a well-known brand name for cameras and imaging equipment. As a proper noun, it refers to the corporation and its products, often used in branding and media. The term carries trademark status and is commonly spoken with emphasis on the first syllable, reflecting English phonetics rather than a descriptive word.
How to Pronounce Kodak
"I bought a vintage Kodak camera at the studio sale."
"Kodak dominated the film industry for decades before digital imaging shifts."
"The photographer chose Kodak film for its distinctive color palette."
Kodak is pronounced KO-dak, with primary stress on the first syllable. In IPA for US English: /ˈkoʊ.dæk/. UK and Australian versions use /ˈkəʊ.dæk/ with a longer diphthong in the first syllable. Keep the second syllable short and crisp: /dæk/. Imagine saying ‘KO’ as in ‘go’ and ‘dak’ as in ‘dock’ but with a short a. You’ll often hear the two-syllable rhythm in brand ads, so aim for a steady, two-beat cadence.
Common errors: 1) Flattening the first vowel too much, saying /ˈkoʊ.dæk/ as /ˈko.dak/ without the full diphthong. 2) Slurring the second syllable into the first, producing /ˈkoʊdæk/ or /ˈkoːdæk/. 3) Misplacing stress, trying to stress the second syllable. Correction: emphasize the first syllable with a clear /oʊ/ or /əʊ/ depending on accent, then deliver a short, clipped /dæk/. Practice with a clean separation: KO-dak.
In US English, /ˈkoʊ.dæk/ with a rounded /oʊ/ and stressed first syllable. UK/AU typically use /ˈkəʊ.dæk/ with a rounded /əʊ/ (schwa-like quality) in the first syllable and a short /æ/ in the second. The rhoticity is less relevant here, but Americans tend to hold the first vowel longer and slightly closer to 'oh' sound, while Brits and Australians lean toward /əʊ/ as in 'go'. Consistency across contexts helps maintain brand recognition.
Kodak presents two challenges: a long first vowel that becomes a diphthong in US/UK lines, and a short, clipped second syllable. The tension is between a strong initial KO and a brief “dak” that can blur with neighboring sounds in fast speech. People may misplace the first syllable stress or flatten the diphthong. To master it, practice keeping the first syllable rounded and distinct, then snap the second syllable with a clean, quick /dæk/.
Kodak remains a two-syllable brand with stress on the first syllable. The unique aspect is the stable, short second syllable /dæk/ that almost always follows a clear first syllable with a rounded vowel. The consonant sequence /d/ plus /k/ helps produce a crisp stop before the syllable boundary, which is crucial in fast advertising reads. Consistent timing between syllables preserves brand rhythm.
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Kodak was coined by the founder of Eastman Kodak Company, George Eastman, in the late 19th century. The name was designed to be short, distinctive, and impossible to mispronounce in multiple languages. Eastman reportedly invented Kodak by combining letters from words he found satisfying on the page, without direct ties to existing linguistic roots. The brand introduced Kodak film and cameras, solidifying its identity in consumer photography. Over time, the word Kodak came to symbolize innovation in imaging technology rather than a generic term. Its intention was to be globally legible and brandable, avoiding native language limitations. The earliest advertising used Kodak as a stand-alone product and corporate name, with the first registered trademark enabling its protection across markets. The word’s evolution mirrors Eastman’s goals: a memorable, easy-to-pronounce brand that could be pronounced consistently in English, with minimal cultural or linguistic drift. Today, Kodak remains a classic example of successful brand naming, retaining market recognition long after the initial invention years.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Kodak" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Kodak"
-dak sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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