Pronunciation difference between “collar” and “color”
What is the pronunciation difference between collar and color? Can a native speaker tell them apart?
differences pronunciation colors
asked Nov 3 '11 at 5:40
Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞
128115
add a comment |
What is the pronunciation difference between collar and color? Can a native speaker tell them apart?
differences pronunciation colors
asked Nov 3 '11 at 5:40
Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞
128115
Both vowels have different sounds.
– Hot Licks
15 hours ago
add a comment |
What is the pronunciation difference between collar and color? Can a native speaker tell them apart?
differences pronunciation colors
asked Nov 3 '11 at 5:40
Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞
128115
What is the pronunciation difference between collar and color? Can a native speaker tell them apart?
differences pronunciation colors
differences pronunciation colors
asked Nov 3 '11 at 5:40
Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞
128115
asked Nov 3 '11 at 5:40
Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞
128115
edited Nov 3 '11 at 9:12
user2683
asked Nov 3 '11 at 5:40
Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞
128115
asked Nov 3 '11 at 5:40
Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞
128115
asked Nov 3 '11 at 5:40
Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞Cui Pengfei 崔鹏飞
128115
128115
Both vowels have different sounds.
– Hot Licks
15 hours ago
add a comment |
Both vowels have different sounds.
– Hot Licks
15 hours ago
Both vowels have different sounds.
– Hot Licks
15 hours ago
Both vowels have different sounds.
– Hot Licks
15 hours ago
add a comment |
8 Answers
8
active
oldest
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Yes, native speakers can easily differentiate these words.
If you have trouble with IPA, you can try pronouncing them this way (for American English):
color ≈ culler (the vowel is a short "uh" sound)
collar ≈ caller (the syllable following c is just like the word all)
You might try practicing with a sentence like "What color is your collar?" and overemphasize the differences until you get used to the sound.
6
This is Californian or Canadian pronunciation; in the East, some of us distinguish between color = culler, collar and caller.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 9:46
2
Well, I'm neither from nor have lived in California or Canada; I have lived in New York, DC, and Florida. I think caller and collar can be distinguishable, but often aren't; I also think the above explanation is an effective way to think about it for someone who can't currently identify any difference between the two words.
– user13141
Nov 3 '11 at 9:55
2
Now that you've brought it up, I agree; this indeed should be an effective way to think about it for somebody who can't currently identify any difference.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 10:13
1
+1 forWhat color is your collar?.
– a CVn
Nov 3 '11 at 10:53
add a comment |
The vowel sound is slightly more open in collar [ɑ] than in color [ʌ].
English pronunciation is not always easy for non native speakers.
A good thing is to be able to read the IPA. Most bilingual paper dictionaries will give the pronunciation of words in the IPA.
And on monolingual dictionaries on the web you can listen to the word as well:
collar /ˈkɑlər/
color /ˈkʌlə(r)/
An on the Wiktionary, the Freedictionary and lots of others.
On the University of Iowa website there is a very good flash animation that shows all the movements involved when pronouncing each vowel.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:28
LaureLaure
3,51622245
1
You seem to have listed the British pronunciation of color and American of collar, regarding the ending /r/.
– user4727
Nov 3 '11 at 9:01
@ Tim: Thanks. I got confused when copy pasting link. I have corrected now. +1
– Laure
Nov 3 '11 at 9:48
add a comment |
The difference is quite clear in British pronunciation. Colour is /ˈkʌlə/, rhyming with duller. Collar is /ˈkɒlə(r)/, rhyming with dollar. (I realize those rhymes may not be much help if duller and dollar sound the same in American pronunciation.)
answered Nov 3 '11 at 11:32
Barrie EnglandBarrie England
129k10204351
3
Color rhymes with duller and collar with dollar in American pronunciation as well. This may not help if the OP also has trouble telling duller and dollar apart, though.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 12:05
@Peter Shor In which American dialect does "duller" have a /ʌ/ sound? (It's not the same as "dollar", but it's not the same as "color" either. (It's confusing because both the "l-colored" and the standard version of /ʌ/ are written the same way in some schemes, but color definitely has the latter and dull definitely has the former)
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 14:12
1
@Random832: I agree with you, they're not quite the same sound. But is it a good idea to confuse someone learning English with l-colored /ʌ/? I don't think color and duller are that far apart, but maybe I think that because I distinguish cot and caught.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 15:12
@Peter Shor I suppose our opinions simply differ - most importantly, I think the vowel sounds are further apart than color and collar in the first place. And the issue in pronouncing color correctly is to not make the l-colored sound - so focus on making a "kuh" sound and then add the rest afterward without changing the sound (as in Malvolio's answer) is better than relying on an analogy to "duller" [which the questioner may not know how to pronounce, and which doesn't actually rhyme]
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 15:18
I don't think cot/caught is really relevant - except in as much as it affects "collar" (and its distinction from "caller", and Malvolio's answer's "aw"), and I distinguish them too in any case.
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 15:20
|
show 2 more comments
Color is pronounced much shorter than collar. Pronouncing collar you spend a bit more time on the first coll- part.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 5:44
RiMMERRiMMER
18.9k1376104
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Approximate to Kollar (gentle r) and Culla in British English.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 10:43
5arx5arx
2,38431927
add a comment |
What color was the caller's collar? Thinking about the differences makes me question my pronunciation (and kind of makes my brain hurt). The OP had a good question and the answer varies depending on accent. I pronounce color like cahler, but my husband says culler. My pronunciation of collar is similar to that of color, the difference is very subtle and I don't know how to describe it - for color my tongue is more forward giving a slightly more open/hollow vowel. For caller I say cawler - but not with a southern drawl. My husband pronounces collar and caller the same - cahler.
answered Jan 23 '16 at 3:45
Edwin DeQuasieEdwin DeQuasie
1
add a comment |
Wow, does this debate bring back memories. A high school friend of mine really mercilessly teased me about the way I said color. I'm from the Midwest, and he insisted I was pronouncing it like a dog collar. I admit I was probably being a little lax in my pronunciation but I think I say the word slightly differently, although he didn't think I did. Since then I'm very very aware that I don't say them very differently. I'm trying to amend that. But I don't find pronouncing it like duller helpful because nobody says that! The truth is, here in the Midwest we say color and collar very similarly. I know there's a slight difference but it is impossible to explain. One suggestion is to try letting Alexa determine which word you're trying to define, and you'll know how you say it.
answered 21 hours ago
Robert GunnRobert Gunn
11
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For "collar" you say "caw", opening your mouth to about half-open as you say the vowel.
For "color" you say "cuh", keeping your mouth just barely ajar.
In both cases, the second syllable is just lrrr.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:42
MalvolioMalvolio
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8 Answers
8
active
oldest
votes
8 Answers
8
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
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active
oldest
votes
Yes, native speakers can easily differentiate these words.
If you have trouble with IPA, you can try pronouncing them this way (for American English):
color ≈ culler (the vowel is a short "uh" sound)
collar ≈ caller (the syllable following c is just like the word all)
You might try practicing with a sentence like "What color is your collar?" and overemphasize the differences until you get used to the sound.
6
This is Californian or Canadian pronunciation; in the East, some of us distinguish between color = culler, collar and caller.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 9:46
2
Well, I'm neither from nor have lived in California or Canada; I have lived in New York, DC, and Florida. I think caller and collar can be distinguishable, but often aren't; I also think the above explanation is an effective way to think about it for someone who can't currently identify any difference between the two words.
– user13141
Nov 3 '11 at 9:55
2
Now that you've brought it up, I agree; this indeed should be an effective way to think about it for somebody who can't currently identify any difference.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 10:13
1
+1 forWhat color is your collar?.
– a CVn
Nov 3 '11 at 10:53
add a comment |
Yes, native speakers can easily differentiate these words.
If you have trouble with IPA, you can try pronouncing them this way (for American English):
color ≈ culler (the vowel is a short "uh" sound)
collar ≈ caller (the syllable following c is just like the word all)
You might try practicing with a sentence like "What color is your collar?" and overemphasize the differences until you get used to the sound.
6
This is Californian or Canadian pronunciation; in the East, some of us distinguish between color = culler, collar and caller.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 9:46
2
Well, I'm neither from nor have lived in California or Canada; I have lived in New York, DC, and Florida. I think caller and collar can be distinguishable, but often aren't; I also think the above explanation is an effective way to think about it for someone who can't currently identify any difference between the two words.
– user13141
Nov 3 '11 at 9:55
2
Now that you've brought it up, I agree; this indeed should be an effective way to think about it for somebody who can't currently identify any difference.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 10:13
1
+1 forWhat color is your collar?.
– a CVn
Nov 3 '11 at 10:53
add a comment |
Yes, native speakers can easily differentiate these words.
If you have trouble with IPA, you can try pronouncing them this way (for American English):
color ≈ culler (the vowel is a short "uh" sound)
collar ≈ caller (the syllable following c is just like the word all)
You might try practicing with a sentence like "What color is your collar?" and overemphasize the differences until you get used to the sound.
Yes, native speakers can easily differentiate these words.
If you have trouble with IPA, you can try pronouncing them this way (for American English):
color ≈ culler (the vowel is a short "uh" sound)
collar ≈ caller (the syllable following c is just like the word all)
You might try practicing with a sentence like "What color is your collar?" and overemphasize the differences until you get used to the sound.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 7:55
user13141
6
This is Californian or Canadian pronunciation; in the East, some of us distinguish between color = culler, collar and caller.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 9:46
2
Well, I'm neither from nor have lived in California or Canada; I have lived in New York, DC, and Florida. I think caller and collar can be distinguishable, but often aren't; I also think the above explanation is an effective way to think about it for someone who can't currently identify any difference between the two words.
– user13141
Nov 3 '11 at 9:55
2
Now that you've brought it up, I agree; this indeed should be an effective way to think about it for somebody who can't currently identify any difference.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 10:13
1
+1 forWhat color is your collar?.
– a CVn
Nov 3 '11 at 10:53
add a comment |
6
This is Californian or Canadian pronunciation; in the East, some of us distinguish between color = culler, collar and caller.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 9:46
2
Well, I'm neither from nor have lived in California or Canada; I have lived in New York, DC, and Florida. I think caller and collar can be distinguishable, but often aren't; I also think the above explanation is an effective way to think about it for someone who can't currently identify any difference between the two words.
– user13141
Nov 3 '11 at 9:55
2
Now that you've brought it up, I agree; this indeed should be an effective way to think about it for somebody who can't currently identify any difference.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 10:13
1
+1 forWhat color is your collar?.
– a CVn
Nov 3 '11 at 10:53
6
6
This is Californian or Canadian pronunciation; in the East, some of us distinguish between color = culler, collar and caller.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 9:46
This is Californian or Canadian pronunciation; in the East, some of us distinguish between color = culler, collar and caller.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 9:46
2
2
Well, I'm neither from nor have lived in California or Canada; I have lived in New York, DC, and Florida. I think caller and collar can be distinguishable, but often aren't; I also think the above explanation is an effective way to think about it for someone who can't currently identify any difference between the two words.
– user13141
Nov 3 '11 at 9:55
Well, I'm neither from nor have lived in California or Canada; I have lived in New York, DC, and Florida. I think caller and collar can be distinguishable, but often aren't; I also think the above explanation is an effective way to think about it for someone who can't currently identify any difference between the two words.
– user13141
Nov 3 '11 at 9:55
2
2
Now that you've brought it up, I agree; this indeed should be an effective way to think about it for somebody who can't currently identify any difference.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 10:13
Now that you've brought it up, I agree; this indeed should be an effective way to think about it for somebody who can't currently identify any difference.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 10:13
1
1
+1 for
What color is your collar?.– a CVn
Nov 3 '11 at 10:53
+1 for
What color is your collar?.– a CVn
Nov 3 '11 at 10:53
add a comment |
The vowel sound is slightly more open in collar [ɑ] than in color [ʌ].
English pronunciation is not always easy for non native speakers.
A good thing is to be able to read the IPA. Most bilingual paper dictionaries will give the pronunciation of words in the IPA.
And on monolingual dictionaries on the web you can listen to the word as well:
collar /ˈkɑlər/
color /ˈkʌlə(r)/
An on the Wiktionary, the Freedictionary and lots of others.
On the University of Iowa website there is a very good flash animation that shows all the movements involved when pronouncing each vowel.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:28
LaureLaure
3,51622245
1
You seem to have listed the British pronunciation of color and American of collar, regarding the ending /r/.
– user4727
Nov 3 '11 at 9:01
@ Tim: Thanks. I got confused when copy pasting link. I have corrected now. +1
– Laure
Nov 3 '11 at 9:48
add a comment |
The vowel sound is slightly more open in collar [ɑ] than in color [ʌ].
English pronunciation is not always easy for non native speakers.
A good thing is to be able to read the IPA. Most bilingual paper dictionaries will give the pronunciation of words in the IPA.
And on monolingual dictionaries on the web you can listen to the word as well:
collar /ˈkɑlər/
color /ˈkʌlə(r)/
An on the Wiktionary, the Freedictionary and lots of others.
On the University of Iowa website there is a very good flash animation that shows all the movements involved when pronouncing each vowel.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:28
LaureLaure
3,51622245
1
You seem to have listed the British pronunciation of color and American of collar, regarding the ending /r/.
– user4727
Nov 3 '11 at 9:01
@ Tim: Thanks. I got confused when copy pasting link. I have corrected now. +1
– Laure
Nov 3 '11 at 9:48
add a comment |
The vowel sound is slightly more open in collar [ɑ] than in color [ʌ].
English pronunciation is not always easy for non native speakers.
A good thing is to be able to read the IPA. Most bilingual paper dictionaries will give the pronunciation of words in the IPA.
And on monolingual dictionaries on the web you can listen to the word as well:
collar /ˈkɑlər/
color /ˈkʌlə(r)/
An on the Wiktionary, the Freedictionary and lots of others.
On the University of Iowa website there is a very good flash animation that shows all the movements involved when pronouncing each vowel.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:28
LaureLaure
3,51622245
The vowel sound is slightly more open in collar [ɑ] than in color [ʌ].
English pronunciation is not always easy for non native speakers.
A good thing is to be able to read the IPA. Most bilingual paper dictionaries will give the pronunciation of words in the IPA.
And on monolingual dictionaries on the web you can listen to the word as well:
collar /ˈkɑlər/
color /ˈkʌlə(r)/
An on the Wiktionary, the Freedictionary and lots of others.
On the University of Iowa website there is a very good flash animation that shows all the movements involved when pronouncing each vowel.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:28
LaureLaure
3,51622245
edited Nov 3 '11 at 9:47
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:28
LaureLaure
3,51622245
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:28
LaureLaure
3,51622245
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:28
LaureLaure
3,51622245
3,51622245
1
You seem to have listed the British pronunciation of color and American of collar, regarding the ending /r/.
– user4727
Nov 3 '11 at 9:01
@ Tim: Thanks. I got confused when copy pasting link. I have corrected now. +1
– Laure
Nov 3 '11 at 9:48
add a comment |
1
You seem to have listed the British pronunciation of color and American of collar, regarding the ending /r/.
– user4727
Nov 3 '11 at 9:01
@ Tim: Thanks. I got confused when copy pasting link. I have corrected now. +1
– Laure
Nov 3 '11 at 9:48
1
1
You seem to have listed the British pronunciation of color and American of collar, regarding the ending /r/.
– user4727
Nov 3 '11 at 9:01
You seem to have listed the British pronunciation of color and American of collar, regarding the ending /r/.
– user4727
Nov 3 '11 at 9:01
@ Tim: Thanks. I got confused when copy pasting link. I have corrected now. +1
– Laure
Nov 3 '11 at 9:48
@ Tim: Thanks. I got confused when copy pasting link. I have corrected now. +1
– Laure
Nov 3 '11 at 9:48
add a comment |
The difference is quite clear in British pronunciation. Colour is /ˈkʌlə/, rhyming with duller. Collar is /ˈkɒlə(r)/, rhyming with dollar. (I realize those rhymes may not be much help if duller and dollar sound the same in American pronunciation.)
answered Nov 3 '11 at 11:32
Barrie EnglandBarrie England
129k10204351
3
Color rhymes with duller and collar with dollar in American pronunciation as well. This may not help if the OP also has trouble telling duller and dollar apart, though.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 12:05
@Peter Shor In which American dialect does "duller" have a /ʌ/ sound? (It's not the same as "dollar", but it's not the same as "color" either. (It's confusing because both the "l-colored" and the standard version of /ʌ/ are written the same way in some schemes, but color definitely has the latter and dull definitely has the former)
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 14:12
1
@Random832: I agree with you, they're not quite the same sound. But is it a good idea to confuse someone learning English with l-colored /ʌ/? I don't think color and duller are that far apart, but maybe I think that because I distinguish cot and caught.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 15:12
@Peter Shor I suppose our opinions simply differ - most importantly, I think the vowel sounds are further apart than color and collar in the first place. And the issue in pronouncing color correctly is to not make the l-colored sound - so focus on making a "kuh" sound and then add the rest afterward without changing the sound (as in Malvolio's answer) is better than relying on an analogy to "duller" [which the questioner may not know how to pronounce, and which doesn't actually rhyme]
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 15:18
I don't think cot/caught is really relevant - except in as much as it affects "collar" (and its distinction from "caller", and Malvolio's answer's "aw"), and I distinguish them too in any case.
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 15:20
|
show 2 more comments
The difference is quite clear in British pronunciation. Colour is /ˈkʌlə/, rhyming with duller. Collar is /ˈkɒlə(r)/, rhyming with dollar. (I realize those rhymes may not be much help if duller and dollar sound the same in American pronunciation.)
answered Nov 3 '11 at 11:32
Barrie EnglandBarrie England
129k10204351
3
Color rhymes with duller and collar with dollar in American pronunciation as well. This may not help if the OP also has trouble telling duller and dollar apart, though.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 12:05
@Peter Shor In which American dialect does "duller" have a /ʌ/ sound? (It's not the same as "dollar", but it's not the same as "color" either. (It's confusing because both the "l-colored" and the standard version of /ʌ/ are written the same way in some schemes, but color definitely has the latter and dull definitely has the former)
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 14:12
1
@Random832: I agree with you, they're not quite the same sound. But is it a good idea to confuse someone learning English with l-colored /ʌ/? I don't think color and duller are that far apart, but maybe I think that because I distinguish cot and caught.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 15:12
@Peter Shor I suppose our opinions simply differ - most importantly, I think the vowel sounds are further apart than color and collar in the first place. And the issue in pronouncing color correctly is to not make the l-colored sound - so focus on making a "kuh" sound and then add the rest afterward without changing the sound (as in Malvolio's answer) is better than relying on an analogy to "duller" [which the questioner may not know how to pronounce, and which doesn't actually rhyme]
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 15:18
I don't think cot/caught is really relevant - except in as much as it affects "collar" (and its distinction from "caller", and Malvolio's answer's "aw"), and I distinguish them too in any case.
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 15:20
|
show 2 more comments
The difference is quite clear in British pronunciation. Colour is /ˈkʌlə/, rhyming with duller. Collar is /ˈkɒlə(r)/, rhyming with dollar. (I realize those rhymes may not be much help if duller and dollar sound the same in American pronunciation.)
answered Nov 3 '11 at 11:32
Barrie EnglandBarrie England
129k10204351
The difference is quite clear in British pronunciation. Colour is /ˈkʌlə/, rhyming with duller. Collar is /ˈkɒlə(r)/, rhyming with dollar. (I realize those rhymes may not be much help if duller and dollar sound the same in American pronunciation.)
answered Nov 3 '11 at 11:32
Barrie EnglandBarrie England
129k10204351
answered Nov 3 '11 at 11:32
Barrie EnglandBarrie England
129k10204351
answered Nov 3 '11 at 11:32
Barrie EnglandBarrie England
129k10204351
answered Nov 3 '11 at 11:32
Barrie EnglandBarrie England
129k10204351
129k10204351
3
Color rhymes with duller and collar with dollar in American pronunciation as well. This may not help if the OP also has trouble telling duller and dollar apart, though.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 12:05
@Peter Shor In which American dialect does "duller" have a /ʌ/ sound? (It's not the same as "dollar", but it's not the same as "color" either. (It's confusing because both the "l-colored" and the standard version of /ʌ/ are written the same way in some schemes, but color definitely has the latter and dull definitely has the former)
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 14:12
1
@Random832: I agree with you, they're not quite the same sound. But is it a good idea to confuse someone learning English with l-colored /ʌ/? I don't think color and duller are that far apart, but maybe I think that because I distinguish cot and caught.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 15:12
@Peter Shor I suppose our opinions simply differ - most importantly, I think the vowel sounds are further apart than color and collar in the first place. And the issue in pronouncing color correctly is to not make the l-colored sound - so focus on making a "kuh" sound and then add the rest afterward without changing the sound (as in Malvolio's answer) is better than relying on an analogy to "duller" [which the questioner may not know how to pronounce, and which doesn't actually rhyme]
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 15:18
I don't think cot/caught is really relevant - except in as much as it affects "collar" (and its distinction from "caller", and Malvolio's answer's "aw"), and I distinguish them too in any case.
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 15:20
|
show 2 more comments
3
Color rhymes with duller and collar with dollar in American pronunciation as well. This may not help if the OP also has trouble telling duller and dollar apart, though.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 12:05
@Peter Shor In which American dialect does "duller" have a /ʌ/ sound? (It's not the same as "dollar", but it's not the same as "color" either. (It's confusing because both the "l-colored" and the standard version of /ʌ/ are written the same way in some schemes, but color definitely has the latter and dull definitely has the former)
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 14:12
1
@Random832: I agree with you, they're not quite the same sound. But is it a good idea to confuse someone learning English with l-colored /ʌ/? I don't think color and duller are that far apart, but maybe I think that because I distinguish cot and caught.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 15:12
@Peter Shor I suppose our opinions simply differ - most importantly, I think the vowel sounds are further apart than color and collar in the first place. And the issue in pronouncing color correctly is to not make the l-colored sound - so focus on making a "kuh" sound and then add the rest afterward without changing the sound (as in Malvolio's answer) is better than relying on an analogy to "duller" [which the questioner may not know how to pronounce, and which doesn't actually rhyme]
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 15:18
I don't think cot/caught is really relevant - except in as much as it affects "collar" (and its distinction from "caller", and Malvolio's answer's "aw"), and I distinguish them too in any case.
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 15:20
3
3
Color rhymes with duller and collar with dollar in American pronunciation as well. This may not help if the OP also has trouble telling duller and dollar apart, though.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 12:05
Color rhymes with duller and collar with dollar in American pronunciation as well. This may not help if the OP also has trouble telling duller and dollar apart, though.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 12:05
@Peter Shor In which American dialect does "duller" have a /ʌ/ sound? (It's not the same as "dollar", but it's not the same as "color" either. (It's confusing because both the "l-colored" and the standard version of /ʌ/ are written the same way in some schemes, but color definitely has the latter and dull definitely has the former)
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 14:12
@Peter Shor In which American dialect does "duller" have a /ʌ/ sound? (It's not the same as "dollar", but it's not the same as "color" either. (It's confusing because both the "l-colored" and the standard version of /ʌ/ are written the same way in some schemes, but color definitely has the latter and dull definitely has the former)
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 14:12
1
1
@Random832: I agree with you, they're not quite the same sound. But is it a good idea to confuse someone learning English with l-colored /ʌ/? I don't think color and duller are that far apart, but maybe I think that because I distinguish cot and caught.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 15:12
@Random832: I agree with you, they're not quite the same sound. But is it a good idea to confuse someone learning English with l-colored /ʌ/? I don't think color and duller are that far apart, but maybe I think that because I distinguish cot and caught.
– Peter Shor
Nov 3 '11 at 15:12
@Peter Shor I suppose our opinions simply differ - most importantly, I think the vowel sounds are further apart than color and collar in the first place. And the issue in pronouncing color correctly is to not make the l-colored sound - so focus on making a "kuh" sound and then add the rest afterward without changing the sound (as in Malvolio's answer) is better than relying on an analogy to "duller" [which the questioner may not know how to pronounce, and which doesn't actually rhyme]
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 15:18
@Peter Shor I suppose our opinions simply differ - most importantly, I think the vowel sounds are further apart than color and collar in the first place. And the issue in pronouncing color correctly is to not make the l-colored sound - so focus on making a "kuh" sound and then add the rest afterward without changing the sound (as in Malvolio's answer) is better than relying on an analogy to "duller" [which the questioner may not know how to pronounce, and which doesn't actually rhyme]
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 15:18
I don't think cot/caught is really relevant - except in as much as it affects "collar" (and its distinction from "caller", and Malvolio's answer's "aw"), and I distinguish them too in any case.
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 15:20
I don't think cot/caught is really relevant - except in as much as it affects "collar" (and its distinction from "caller", and Malvolio's answer's "aw"), and I distinguish them too in any case.
– Random832
Nov 3 '11 at 15:20
|
show 2 more comments
Color is pronounced much shorter than collar. Pronouncing collar you spend a bit more time on the first coll- part.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 5:44
RiMMERRiMMER
18.9k1376104
add a comment |
Color is pronounced much shorter than collar. Pronouncing collar you spend a bit more time on the first coll- part.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 5:44
RiMMERRiMMER
18.9k1376104
add a comment |
Color is pronounced much shorter than collar. Pronouncing collar you spend a bit more time on the first coll- part.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 5:44
RiMMERRiMMER
18.9k1376104
Color is pronounced much shorter than collar. Pronouncing collar you spend a bit more time on the first coll- part.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 5:44
RiMMERRiMMER
18.9k1376104
answered Nov 3 '11 at 5:44
RiMMERRiMMER
18.9k1376104
answered Nov 3 '11 at 5:44
RiMMERRiMMER
18.9k1376104
answered Nov 3 '11 at 5:44
RiMMERRiMMER
18.9k1376104
18.9k1376104
add a comment |
add a comment |
Approximate to Kollar (gentle r) and Culla in British English.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 10:43
5arx5arx
2,38431927
add a comment |
Approximate to Kollar (gentle r) and Culla in British English.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 10:43
5arx5arx
2,38431927
add a comment |
Approximate to Kollar (gentle r) and Culla in British English.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 10:43
5arx5arx
2,38431927
Approximate to Kollar (gentle r) and Culla in British English.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 10:43
5arx5arx
2,38431927
answered Nov 3 '11 at 10:43
5arx5arx
2,38431927
answered Nov 3 '11 at 10:43
5arx5arx
2,38431927
answered Nov 3 '11 at 10:43
5arx5arx
2,38431927
2,38431927
add a comment |
add a comment |
What color was the caller's collar? Thinking about the differences makes me question my pronunciation (and kind of makes my brain hurt). The OP had a good question and the answer varies depending on accent. I pronounce color like cahler, but my husband says culler. My pronunciation of collar is similar to that of color, the difference is very subtle and I don't know how to describe it - for color my tongue is more forward giving a slightly more open/hollow vowel. For caller I say cawler - but not with a southern drawl. My husband pronounces collar and caller the same - cahler.
answered Jan 23 '16 at 3:45
Edwin DeQuasieEdwin DeQuasie
1
add a comment |
What color was the caller's collar? Thinking about the differences makes me question my pronunciation (and kind of makes my brain hurt). The OP had a good question and the answer varies depending on accent. I pronounce color like cahler, but my husband says culler. My pronunciation of collar is similar to that of color, the difference is very subtle and I don't know how to describe it - for color my tongue is more forward giving a slightly more open/hollow vowel. For caller I say cawler - but not with a southern drawl. My husband pronounces collar and caller the same - cahler.
answered Jan 23 '16 at 3:45
Edwin DeQuasieEdwin DeQuasie
1
add a comment |
What color was the caller's collar? Thinking about the differences makes me question my pronunciation (and kind of makes my brain hurt). The OP had a good question and the answer varies depending on accent. I pronounce color like cahler, but my husband says culler. My pronunciation of collar is similar to that of color, the difference is very subtle and I don't know how to describe it - for color my tongue is more forward giving a slightly more open/hollow vowel. For caller I say cawler - but not with a southern drawl. My husband pronounces collar and caller the same - cahler.
answered Jan 23 '16 at 3:45
Edwin DeQuasieEdwin DeQuasie
1
What color was the caller's collar? Thinking about the differences makes me question my pronunciation (and kind of makes my brain hurt). The OP had a good question and the answer varies depending on accent. I pronounce color like cahler, but my husband says culler. My pronunciation of collar is similar to that of color, the difference is very subtle and I don't know how to describe it - for color my tongue is more forward giving a slightly more open/hollow vowel. For caller I say cawler - but not with a southern drawl. My husband pronounces collar and caller the same - cahler.
answered Jan 23 '16 at 3:45
Edwin DeQuasieEdwin DeQuasie
1
answered Jan 23 '16 at 3:45
Edwin DeQuasieEdwin DeQuasie
1
answered Jan 23 '16 at 3:45
Edwin DeQuasieEdwin DeQuasie
1
answered Jan 23 '16 at 3:45
Edwin DeQuasieEdwin DeQuasie
1
1
add a comment |
add a comment |
Wow, does this debate bring back memories. A high school friend of mine really mercilessly teased me about the way I said color. I'm from the Midwest, and he insisted I was pronouncing it like a dog collar. I admit I was probably being a little lax in my pronunciation but I think I say the word slightly differently, although he didn't think I did. Since then I'm very very aware that I don't say them very differently. I'm trying to amend that. But I don't find pronouncing it like duller helpful because nobody says that! The truth is, here in the Midwest we say color and collar very similarly. I know there's a slight difference but it is impossible to explain. One suggestion is to try letting Alexa determine which word you're trying to define, and you'll know how you say it.
answered 21 hours ago
Robert GunnRobert Gunn
11
New contributor
Robert Gunn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
This does not really answer the question. If you have a different question, you can ask it by clicking Ask Question. You can also add a bounty to draw more attention to this question once you have enough reputation. - From Review
– IconDaemon
9 hours ago
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– Davo
9 hours ago
add a comment |
Wow, does this debate bring back memories. A high school friend of mine really mercilessly teased me about the way I said color. I'm from the Midwest, and he insisted I was pronouncing it like a dog collar. I admit I was probably being a little lax in my pronunciation but I think I say the word slightly differently, although he didn't think I did. Since then I'm very very aware that I don't say them very differently. I'm trying to amend that. But I don't find pronouncing it like duller helpful because nobody says that! The truth is, here in the Midwest we say color and collar very similarly. I know there's a slight difference but it is impossible to explain. One suggestion is to try letting Alexa determine which word you're trying to define, and you'll know how you say it.
answered 21 hours ago
Robert GunnRobert Gunn
11
New contributor
Robert Gunn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
This does not really answer the question. If you have a different question, you can ask it by clicking Ask Question. You can also add a bounty to draw more attention to this question once you have enough reputation. - From Review
– IconDaemon
9 hours ago
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– Davo
9 hours ago
add a comment |
Wow, does this debate bring back memories. A high school friend of mine really mercilessly teased me about the way I said color. I'm from the Midwest, and he insisted I was pronouncing it like a dog collar. I admit I was probably being a little lax in my pronunciation but I think I say the word slightly differently, although he didn't think I did. Since then I'm very very aware that I don't say them very differently. I'm trying to amend that. But I don't find pronouncing it like duller helpful because nobody says that! The truth is, here in the Midwest we say color and collar very similarly. I know there's a slight difference but it is impossible to explain. One suggestion is to try letting Alexa determine which word you're trying to define, and you'll know how you say it.
answered 21 hours ago
Robert GunnRobert Gunn
11
New contributor
Robert Gunn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Wow, does this debate bring back memories. A high school friend of mine really mercilessly teased me about the way I said color. I'm from the Midwest, and he insisted I was pronouncing it like a dog collar. I admit I was probably being a little lax in my pronunciation but I think I say the word slightly differently, although he didn't think I did. Since then I'm very very aware that I don't say them very differently. I'm trying to amend that. But I don't find pronouncing it like duller helpful because nobody says that! The truth is, here in the Midwest we say color and collar very similarly. I know there's a slight difference but it is impossible to explain. One suggestion is to try letting Alexa determine which word you're trying to define, and you'll know how you say it.
answered 21 hours ago
Robert GunnRobert Gunn
11
New contributor
Robert Gunn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 21 hours ago
Robert GunnRobert Gunn
11
New contributor
Robert Gunn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 21 hours ago
Robert GunnRobert Gunn
11
answered 21 hours ago
Robert GunnRobert Gunn
11
11
New contributor
Robert Gunn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Robert Gunn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Robert Gunn is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
This does not really answer the question. If you have a different question, you can ask it by clicking Ask Question. You can also add a bounty to draw more attention to this question once you have enough reputation. - From Review
– IconDaemon
9 hours ago
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– Davo
9 hours ago
add a comment |
This does not really answer the question. If you have a different question, you can ask it by clicking Ask Question. You can also add a bounty to draw more attention to this question once you have enough reputation. - From Review
– IconDaemon
9 hours ago
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– Davo
9 hours ago
This does not really answer the question. If you have a different question, you can ask it by clicking Ask Question. You can also add a bounty to draw more attention to this question once you have enough reputation. - From Review
– IconDaemon
9 hours ago
This does not really answer the question. If you have a different question, you can ask it by clicking Ask Question. You can also add a bounty to draw more attention to this question once you have enough reputation. - From Review
– IconDaemon
9 hours ago
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– Davo
9 hours ago
This does not provide an answer to the question. Once you have sufficient reputation you will be able to comment on any post; instead, provide answers that don't require clarification from the asker. - From Review
– Davo
9 hours ago
add a comment |
For "collar" you say "caw", opening your mouth to about half-open as you say the vowel.
For "color" you say "cuh", keeping your mouth just barely ajar.
In both cases, the second syllable is just lrrr.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:42
MalvolioMalvolio
24.5k85188
add a comment |
For "collar" you say "caw", opening your mouth to about half-open as you say the vowel.
For "color" you say "cuh", keeping your mouth just barely ajar.
In both cases, the second syllable is just lrrr.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:42
MalvolioMalvolio
24.5k85188
add a comment |
For "collar" you say "caw", opening your mouth to about half-open as you say the vowel.
For "color" you say "cuh", keeping your mouth just barely ajar.
In both cases, the second syllable is just lrrr.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:42
MalvolioMalvolio
24.5k85188
For "collar" you say "caw", opening your mouth to about half-open as you say the vowel.
For "color" you say "cuh", keeping your mouth just barely ajar.
In both cases, the second syllable is just lrrr.
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:42
MalvolioMalvolio
24.5k85188
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:42
MalvolioMalvolio
24.5k85188
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:42
MalvolioMalvolio
24.5k85188
answered Nov 3 '11 at 6:42
MalvolioMalvolio
24.5k85188
24.5k85188
add a comment |
add a comment |
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Both vowels have different sounds.
– Hot Licks
15 hours ago