How to pronounce kola
Say it like KOH-luh. Kola has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce kola. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KOH
- luh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kola pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- luhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of kola
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: KOH-luh.
What does kola mean?
- A tree, genus Cola, bearing large brown seeds ("nuts") that are the source of cola extract.
- A nut of this tree.
- Alternative form of cola (“drink made with kola nut flavoring”).
Where does kola come from?
Presumably from a West African language.
Words that rhyme with kola
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of kola.
Words that sound like kola
Questions about saying kola
How do you pronounce kola?
Say KOH-luh. The American pronunciation is /ˈkoʊlə/. In British English it is /ˈkəʊlə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in kola?
Kola has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOH). Broken into parts: KOH · luh.
Is kola 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 /ˈkəʊlə/ (KOH-luh).
What words sound the same as kola?
Kola sounds the same as cola in American English. The spelling and meaning are what tell them apart.