zebra怎么读英语
What is Zebra?
Zebra is an African animal that is known for its distinctive black and white stripes. It belongs to the family of equids, which also includes horses and donkeys.
How to Pronounce Zebra?
The correct pronunciation of zebra is "zee-bruh" in American English and "ze-bra" in British English. The first syllable is pronounced as "zee" or "ze" depending on the dialect, while the second syllable is pronounced as "bruh" or "bra".
Why is it Pronounced Differently in British and American English?
The pronunciation of zebra in British English with a short "e" sound (as in "pet") is due to the influence of the traditional way of pronouncing Latin words. In American English, the word zebra is pronounced with a long "e" sound (as in "bee") as it follows the typical English pronunciation rules.
The History Behind the Word Zebra
The word "zebra" comes from the Old Portuguese word "zevra" which means "wild ass". It was likely borrowed from the Latin word "equiferus" which means "wild horse". The word was introduced to English in the late 16th century.
Other Interesting Facts About Zebras
Aside from their unique black and white stripes, zebras are also known for their keen sense of hearing and excellent vision. They are social animals and live in groups called "harems" which consist of one male, several females, and their offspring. Zebras are herbivores and feed primarily on grass. They are also one of the few animals that have not been successfully domesticated.
In conclusion, the word "zebra" is pronounced differently depending on the English dialect. Its origins can be traced back to Latin and Portuguese words, and it refers to a unique African animal known for its stripes and social behavior.