How to pronounce corporal
Say it like KOR-puh-rul. Corporal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOR).
- KOR
- puh
- rul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Corporal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- puhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- rulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of corporal
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: KAW-puh-rul.
What does corporal mean?
- a noncommissioned officer in the Army or Air Force or Marines
- affecting or characteristic of the body as opposed to the mind or spirit“bodily needs”“a corporal defect”
- possessing or existing in bodily form“what seemed corporal melted as breath into the wind”“an incarnate spirit”
Where does corporal come from?
From Middle English corporal, corporall, corporel, corporell, from Old French corporal (French corporel), from Latin corporālis, from Latin corpus (“body”); compare corporeal.
Questions about saying corporal
How do you pronounce corporal?
Say KOR-puh-rul. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɔrpərəl/. In British English it is /ˈkɔːpərəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in corporal?
Corporal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOR). Broken into parts: KOR · puh · rul.
Is corporal 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 /ˈkɔːpərəl/ (KAW-puh-rul).