How to pronounce “ape”
Ape is pronounced /ˈeɪp/. It has 1 syllable. Below: the syllable split, native audio in both accents, the mistake people actually make with this word, and every individual sound in it explained.
Syllables and stress
Split it into 1 beat. It is a single beat — one vowel, said in one push of breath.
Stress pattern O — capital letters mark the stressed beats.
“ape” sound by sound
“ape” is built out of 2 sounds. Say each one on its own first, slowly, then run them together at speed. Every sound links to a full guide with mouth position, the mistake learners make with it, and other words that use it.
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eɪStart at the /e/ position and glide upward and forward toward /ɪ/ — the jaw closes as you say it.
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pPress both lips together, build up air behind them, then release with a puff of air (aspiration) when the sound starts a stressed syllable.
Words that rhyme with “ape”
Same ending sound from the stressed vowel on — a good way to hear whether you have the vowel right:
Minimal pairs — words one sound away from “ape”
Each of these differs from “ape” by exactly one sound. If you can say both of a pair and hear the difference, that sound is under control:
Questions people ask about “ape”
- How do you pronounce “ape”?
- “ape” is pronounced /ˈeɪp/. Press the US or UK button above to hear it spoken.
- How many syllables are in “ape”?
- “ape” has 1 syllable. The stress pattern is O.
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