How to Pronounce "collage"
The correct pronunciation of "collage" is KOL-ahzh /ˈkɒlɑːʒ/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "KOL-ej" habit for good.
collage
/ˈkɒlɑːʒ/A picture made by sticking together pieces of paper, photographs or other materials.
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Record yourself saying “collage” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "KOL-ej" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying "KOL-ej" (like 'college') or "kuh-LAJ" with a hard 'j'. | KOL-ahzh /ˈkɒlɑːʒ/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | First syllable (KOL) in British English. |
How Do You Pronounce "collage"?
"collage" is pronounced KOL-ahzh /ˈkɒlɑːʒ/. The stress is on the first syllable (KOL) in British English. As a noun, it means a picture made by sticking together pieces of paper, photographs or other materials.
The '-age' is a soft 'zh', not a hard 'j': KOL-ahzh. Don't confuse it with 'college'.
Note: US /kəˈlɑːʒ/ ("kuh-LAHZH") stresses the last syllable; both end in the soft 'zh'.
Say "collage" 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
KOL-ahzh — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
First syllable (KOL) in British English. Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The '-age' is a soft 'zh', not a hard 'j': KOL-ahzh. Don't confuse it with 'college'.
Blend and repeat
Now say "collage" at normal speed: KOL-ahzh. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "collage" (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.
measure → KOL-ahzh
The '-age' is the 'zh' of 'measure'.
NOT KOL-ej — KOL-ahzh
Not 'college'; soft 'zh' ending.
Say at speed: "She made a collage of holiday photos."
Keep the ending soft.
Why "collage" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Indian speakers merge it with 'college' or read '-age' as /dʒ/, but this French loanword ends in the soft 'zh'.
Tip: Say 'KOL' then 'ahzh' with the 'zh' of 'measure': KOL-ahzh.
Hear “collage” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
She made a collage of holiday photos.
The wall is a collage of posters.
Art class started with a collage.
Words Related to "collage"
Now say it inside a sentence
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Frequently Asked Questions
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