How to pronounce hippo
Say it like HIP-oh. Hippo has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HIP).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce hippo. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- HIP
- oh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hippo pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HIPSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of hippo
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: HIP-oh.
What does hippo mean?
- Hippopotamus Defence.
Words that rhyme with hippo
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of hippo.
Questions about saying hippo
How do you pronounce hippo?
Say HIP-oh. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɪpoʊ/. In British English it is /ˈhɪpəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hippo?
Hippo has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HIP). Broken into parts: HIP · oh.
Is hippo pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈhɪpəʊ/ (HIP-oh).