How to pronounce carp
Say it like KARP. Carp is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress.
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce carp. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KARP
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Carp pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KARPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of carp
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAHP.
What does carp mean?
- Any of various freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae.
- The common carp, Cyprinus carpio.
- An instance of, or speech, complaining or criticizing about a fault, especially for frivolous or petty reasons; a cavil.
- To criticize or complain about a fault, especially for frivolous or petty reasons; to cavil.
Where does carp come from?
From Late Middle English carpe (“the common carp (Cyprinus carpio)”), from Old French carpe, from Late Latin carpa, possibly from Proto-West Germanic *karpo (possibly due to the introduction from the fish from the Danube into England in the
Words that rhyme with carp
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of carp.
Questions about saying carp
How do you pronounce carp?
Say KARP. The American pronunciation is /kɑrp/. In British English it is /kɑːp/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in carp?
Carp is a single syllable, so the whole word carries the stress. Broken into parts: KARP.
Is carp pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /kɑːp/ (KAHP).