How to pronounce incognito
Say it like in-kawg-NEE-toh. Incognito has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NEE).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce incognito. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- kawg
- NEE
- toh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Incognito pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kawgKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- NEESay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
- tohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of incognito
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
- Americans usually soften the t in the middle into a quick d-like tap; British speakers keep a crisp t.
British respelling: in-kog-NEE-toh.
What does incognito mean?
- Without being known; in an assumed character, or under an assumed title; in disguise.
- Without revealing one's identity.
- One unknown or in disguise, or under an assumed character or name.
- The assumption of disguise or of a feigned character; the state of being in disguise or not recognized.
Where does incognito come from?
Borrowed from Italian incognito, from Latin incognitus (“unknown”), from in- (“not”) + cognitus (“known”), perfect passive participle of cognoscere.
Words that rhyme with incognito
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of incognito.
Questions about saying incognito
How do you pronounce incognito?
Say in-kawg-NEE-toh. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnkɔɡˈnitoʊ/. In British English it is /ˌɪnkɒɡˈniːtəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in incognito?
Incognito has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (NEE). Broken into parts: in · kawg · NEE · toh.
Is incognito 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 /ˌɪnkɒɡˈniːtəʊ/ (in-kog-NEE-toh).