How to pronounce giraffe
Say it like juh-RAF. Giraffe has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RAF).
- juh
- RAF
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: Stress the second syllable: 'juh-RAF'.
Giraffe pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- juhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RAFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
American vs British pronunciation of giraffe
American and British speakers say giraffe in essentially the same way: /dʒəˈræf/ in the US and /dʒɪˈræf/ in the UK.
British respelling: jih-RAF.
What does giraffe mean?
- A ruminant in the genus Giraffa of the African savannah with long legs, a highly elongated neck, yellow fur patterned with dark spots typically in the form of a network, and two or more horn-like projections called ossicones; the tallest living animal.
- A giraffe unicycle.
- A laugh.“Are you having a giraffe?!”
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- camelopard
- bubble
- giraffa camelopardalis
Words that rhyme with giraffe
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of giraffe.
Questions about saying giraffe
How do you pronounce giraffe?
Say juh-RAF. The American pronunciation is /dʒəˈræf/. In British English it is /dʒɪˈræf/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in giraffe?
Giraffe has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RAF). Broken into parts: juh · RAF.
Do Americans and Brits say giraffe the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /dʒəˈræf/ and the British form is /dʒɪˈræf/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.