How to pronounce kauri
Say it like KOW-ree. Kauri has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOW).
- KOW
- ree
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kauri pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOWSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- reeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of kauri
American and British speakers say kauri in essentially the same way: /ˈkaʊri/ in the US and /ˈkaʊri/ in the UK.
British respelling: KOW-ree.
What does kauri mean?
- A conifer of the genus Agathis, found in Australasia and Melanesia, especially Agathis australis.
- The wood of the kauri tree.
- A resinous product of the kauri tree, found in the form of yellow or brown lumps in the ground where the trees have grown. It is used for making varnish, and as a substitute for amber.
- Alternative form of cowrie.
Where does kauri come from?
Borrowed from Māori kauri from Proto-Polynesian *kauquli, from *kau (“tree”) + *quli (“black”), originally referring to Samoan ebony ("Diospyros samoensis").
Words that rhyme with kauri
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of kauri.
Questions about saying kauri
How do you pronounce kauri?
Say KOW-ree. The American pronunciation is /ˈkaʊri/. In British English it is /ˈkaʊri/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in kauri?
Kauri has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOW). Broken into parts: KOW · ree.
Do Americans and Brits say kauri the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkaʊri/ and the British form is /ˈkaʊri/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.