English pronunciation · Words Starting with C

Curious Pronunciation

Curious is pronounced KYUU-ree-uhs, IPA /ˈkjʊriəs/.

KYUU-ree-uhs

US /ˈkjʊriəs/  ·  UK /ˈkjʊrɪəs/

Syllables: KYUU · ree · uhs (3 syllables, stress on syllable 1)

adjective: Eager to know or learn something, or strange in a way that makes you want an explanation.

Audio for the American and British pronunciations plays on this page with JavaScript enabled.

Curious in a Sentence

  • She was curious about how the lock had been opened.
  • There is a curious smell in the hallway.
  • Curious neighbours gathered at the end of the drive.

Common Mispronunciations of Curious

Not KOO-ree-uhs

Slide a y into the opening so it reads KYUU. Without it, curious drifts towards cure and courier.

Not kyuu-REE-uhs

Hit the first syllable hardest and let ree-uhs run together quickly. Moving the beat back lengthens the word by a whole step.

Tip: Curiosity shifts the beat to the third syllable, kyuu-ree-AH-suh-tee, even though curious keeps it at the front.

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