How to Pronounce "colour"
The correct pronunciation of "colour" is KUL-ur /ˈkʌlə/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "KUL-our" habit for good.
colour
/ˈkʌlə/The quality of an object seen as red, blue, green, and so on.
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Record yourself saying “colour” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "KUL-our" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying 'KUL-our' with a full 'our' ending, or 'CO-lour' with a long 'o' first vowel. | KUL-ur /ˈkʌlə/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | First syllable (KUL). |
How Do You Pronounce "colour"?
"colour" is pronounced KUL-ur /ˈkʌlə/. The stress is on the first syllable (KUL). As a noun, it means the quality of an object seen as red, blue, green, and so on.
The first 'o' is a short 'u' (as in 'cut') and 'our' is a soft 'ur': KUL-ur, not 'CUL-our'.
Note: British spelling 'colour' and US spelling 'color' sound identical: KUL-ur. US IPA /ˈkʌlɚ/ has an r-coloured ending.
Say "colour" 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
KUL-ur — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
First syllable (KUL). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The first 'o' is a short 'u' (as in 'cut') and 'our' is a soft 'ur': KUL-ur, not 'CUL-our'.
Blend and repeat
Now say "colour" at normal speed: KUL-ur. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "colour" (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.
cut → kul → KUL-ur
The first vowel is the short 'u' of 'cut'.
NOT KUL-our — KUL-ur
The 'our' fades to a soft 'ur', not a full 'our'.
Say at speed: "What colour is it?"
Short 'u' first, weak 'ur' at the end.
Why "colour" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Indian speakers give the 'o' its full value and pronounce 'our' as written, but 'o' is a short 'u' and 'our' reduces to 'ur'.
Tip: Say KUL (vowel of 'cut') then a soft 'ur': KUL-ur, ending weak.
Hear “colour” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
What colour is your car?
She loves the colour blue.
Add some colour to the drawing.
Words Related to "colour"
Now say it inside a sentence
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Frequently Asked Questions
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