How to Pronounce "category"
The correct pronunciation of "category" is KAT-uh-guh-ree /ˈkætəɡəri/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "kuh-TEG-ory" habit for good.
category
/ˈkætəɡəri/A class or group of things sharing a particular quality.
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Record yourself saying “category” and get a real, AI-graded score with word-by-word feedback — no account needed.
Record yourself saying “category” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "kuh-TEG-ory" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying 'kuh-TEG-ory' with the stress on the second syllable. | KAT-uh-guh-ree /ˈkætəɡəri/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | First syllable (KAT). |
How Do You Pronounce "category"?
"category" is pronounced KAT-uh-guh-ree /ˈkætəɡəri/. The stress is on the first syllable (KAT). As a noun, it means a class or group of things sharing a particular quality.
The stress is on the FIRST syllable, KAT — the rest of the word falls away softly.
Note: US adds a lightly stressed 'gor', /ˈkætəɡɔːri/ ("KAT-uh-gor-ee"), but the main stress stays on KAT in both accents.
Say "category" Step by Step
Break the word down, get the stress right, then blend it back together at normal speed. Repeat each step out loud three times.
Break it into syllables
KAT-uh-guh-ree — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
First syllable (KAT). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The stress is on the FIRST syllable, KAT — the rest of the word falls away softly.
Blend and repeat
Now say "category" at normal speed: KAT-uh-guh-ree. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "category" (2 Minutes, Out Loud)
Say each drill line aloud, slowly first, then at normal speed. On the last drill, use the mic check at the top of this page to test yourself.
CATTLE → CATEGORY
Both open with a stressed KAT; keep the weight up front.
NOT kuh-TEG-ory — KAT-uh-guh-ree
Don't stress TEG; only the first beat is loud.
Say at speed: "Which category does this fall into?"
Hold front stress at natural speed.
Why "category" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Indian English lands the stress on the visible 'TEG' in the middle, pulling it rightward.
Tip: Hit the front and let the rest trail: KAT-uh-guh-ree.
Hear “category” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
Which category does this fall into?
She won in the best-newcomer category.
Sort the files by category.
Now say it inside a sentence
Getting "category" right on its own is the easy part. Pronunciation only sticks in connected speech. Read a passage aloud and get scored on accuracy and pace, word by word — free, no login.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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