How do you actually say "colonel"?

The word "colonel" can be confusing to say out loud, even for native English speakers. At first glance, you'd expect it to sound like "KO-LOH-NEL," but it doesn't. Not even close. Here's what you should know.

The right way to say "colonel"

A colonel serves as a high-ranking officer in the army, air force, or marines, sitting above a lieutenant colonel but below a brigadier. Despite what the spelling suggests, it's always pronounced "ker-nel." For example:

"The colonel piloted the jet through the storm."

"She works directly with a colonel at the base."

"Two colonels debated tactics over lunch."

Why such a strange spelling?

The spelling comes from French (colonel), while the pronunciation comes from Italian (colonnello). English kept the French spelling but adopted the Italian sound. This mix happened centuries ago, during a time when English borrowed words from both languages. Over time, the spelling stayed the same, but the pronunciation shifted closer to the Italian influence.

The rank itself has a long history in military organizations. Colonels typically command units called regiments or brigades, making them senior officers with significant responsibility. This is why you'll often hear the word in military contexts, news reports, and historical discussions.

Here are some examples to help you practice saying it out loud:

"The colonel's speech motivated the troops."

"The colonel scanned the area through his binoculars."

"Colonel Sanders of KFC earned his title as an honorary distinction, not through military service." (Yup, you can catch more details in the video below!)

Next time you see "colonel" in a history book or hear it in a war movie, you won't be thrown off by its unexpected pronunciation.

Want more simple English tips? Take a look at Daily Dose of Denglisch Docs.