How to Pronounce "porpoise"
The correct pronunciation of "porpoise" is POR-pus /ˈpɔːpəs/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "por-POYZ" habit for good.
porpoise
/ˈpɔːpəs/A small sea mammal similar to a dolphin.
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Record yourself saying “porpoise” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "por-POYZ" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying 'por-POISE' or 'por-POYZ', reading the 'oise' as a strong 'oy' sound. | POR-pus /ˈpɔːpəs/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | First syllable (POR). |
How Do You Pronounce "porpoise"?
"porpoise" is pronounced POR-pus /ˈpɔːpəs/. The stress is on the first syllable (POR). As a noun, it means a small sea mammal similar to a dolphin.
The 'oise' ending is a weak 'pus' (a schwa), not 'poise' or 'poyz': POR-pus.
Listen for the stressed syllable and copy its rhythm — getting the stress right matters more than any single sound.
Say "porpoise" 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
POR-pus — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
First syllable (POR). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
The 'oise' ending is a weak 'pus' (a schwa), not 'poise' or 'poyz': POR-pus.
Blend and repeat
Now say "porpoise" at normal speed: POR-pus. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "porpoise" (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.
pour → por → POR-pus
The first syllable sounds like 'pour'.
NOT por-POYZ — POR-pus
The 'oise' fades to 'pus', not 'poise'.
Say at speed: "A porpoise surfaced."
Strong 'POR', weak 'pus' ending.
Why "porpoise" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
Indian speakers pronounce 'oise' like the word 'poise', but this unstressed ending reduces to a weak 'pus'.
Tip: Say POR (like 'pour') then a soft 'pus': POR-pus — it rhymes with 'tortoise'.
Hear “porpoise” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
A porpoise surfaced beside the boat.
The porpoise is smaller than a dolphin.
We watched a porpoise play in the waves.
Words Related to "porpoise"
Now say it inside a sentence
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Frequently Asked Questions
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