How to Pronounce "knock"
The correct pronunciation of "knock" is NOK /nɒk/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "kuh-NOK" habit for good.
knock
/nɒk/The act of striking a surface to make a sound, especially a door.
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Record yourself saying “knock” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "kuh-NOK" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Sounding the first 'k': 'kuh-NOK' or 'k-nock'. | NOK /nɒk/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | Single syllable. |
How Do You Pronounce "knock"?
"knock" is pronounced NOK /nɒk/. The stress is on the single syllable. As a verb, it means the act of striking a surface to make a sound, especially a door.
The 'k' at the start is silent — the word begins on 'n' and sounds like 'nock'.
Note: US /nɑːk/ — same silent k, slightly more open vowel.
Say "knock" 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
NOK — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
Single syllable. Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The 'k' at the start is silent — the word begins on 'n' and sounds like 'nock'.
Blend and repeat
Now say "knock" at normal speed: NOK. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "knock" (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.
lock → knock
Rhymes exactly with 'lock'; the first k is silent.
NOT kuh-NOK — NOK
Only the ck at the end is a k sound.
Say at speed: "Please knock before you enter."
Keep the leading k silent.
Why "knock" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Indian-language scripts pronounce every written letter, so the silent English 'k' gets voiced.
Tip: Skip the first 'k' and start on 'n': NOK, rhyming with 'lock'.
Hear “knock” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
Please knock before you enter.
I heard a knock at the door.
Knock twice if you need me.
Words Related to "knock"
Now say it inside a sentence
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Frequently Asked Questions
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