For those who’ve ever heard the phrase “echidna” and questioned how you can pronounce it, you are not alone. This distinctive Australian mammal has a reputation that may be difficult to get proper. The secret is to do not forget that the “ch” is pronounced like a “okay.” So, the proper pronunciation is “ih-KID-nuh.” As soon as you have acquired that down, you can impress your mates along with your data of this fascinating creature.
Echidnas are certainly one of Australia’s most iconic animals. They’re lined in sharp spines, which they use to guard themselves from predators. Echidnas are additionally egg-laying mammals, which signifies that they provide delivery to eggs as a substitute of stay younger. This makes them certainly one of only some mammals on the earth that lay eggs. Echidnas are fascinating creatures which can be distinctive to Australia. Their uncommon look and conduct make them a must-see for any customer to the nation.
For those who’re planning a visit to Australia, remember to add echidnas to your checklist of must-see animals. You could find them in a wide range of habitats, together with forests, grasslands, and deserts. And, should you’re fortunate, you would possibly even see certainly one of these superb creatures within the wild.
Breaking Down the Syllables
The phrase “echidna” is a five-syllable phrase. Here is how you can break it down:
| Syllable | Pronounced |
|---|---|
| e | /iː/ |
| chi | /kiː/ |
| d | /d/ |
| na | /nə/ |
The stress is on the third syllable, so it is pronounced “eh-KIHD-nə.”
Right Pronunciation
The right pronunciation of echidna is “ih-KID-nuh”. The emphasis is on the second syllable, and the “e” within the first syllable is pronounced just like the “e” in “finish”.
Widespread Mispronunciations
Adjusting the Tongue Placement
When announcing the “ch” sound in “echidna”, the tongue must be positioned towards the roof of the mouth simply behind the entrance enamel. It will create the delicate, hissing sound that’s attribute of the “ch” sound.
Avoiding Aspiration
Aspiration refers back to the launch of a puff of air after a consonant sound. Within the case of the “ch” sound in “echidna”, aspiration must be averted. Which means the tongue shouldn’t be launched from the roof of the mouth after the “ch” is produced.
Stressing the Second Syllable
The emphasis within the pronunciation of “echidna” is on the second syllable. Which means the second syllable must be pronounced barely louder and longer than the primary syllable. The right stress sample is “ih-KID-nuh”, not “ECH-ihd-nuh”.
Working towards the Pronunciation
The easiest way to enhance your pronunciation of “echidna” is to follow saying it aloud. You’ll be able to follow saying the phrase by itself or in a sentence. It’s also possible to hearken to recordings of native English audio system announcing the phrase to get a greater thought of the way it ought to sound.
| Incorrect Pronunciation | Right Pronunciation |
|---|---|
| EH-chid-nuh | ih-KID-nuh |
How To Pronounce Echidna
The right pronunciation of echidna is ih-KID-nuh. The phrase is derived from the Greek phrase “ekhidna,” which implies viper or snake. Echidnas are small, spiny mammals which can be native to Australia and New Guinea. They’re usually known as spiny anteaters as a result of they eat ants and termites.
Echidnas are distinctive amongst mammals in that they lay eggs. They’re additionally one of many few mammals which have a cloaca, which is a single opening that serves because the outlet for the digestive, urinary, and reproductive programs.
