how to pronounce totem

/ˈtoʊtəm/

audio example by a male speaker

audio example by a female speaker

the above transcription of totem is a detailed (narrow) transcription according to the rules of the International Phonetic Association; you can find a description of each symbol by clicking the phoneme buttons in the secction below.

totem is pronounced in two syllables

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1.

2. example pitch curve for pronunciation of totem

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video examples of totem pronunciation

An example use of totem in a speech by a native speaker of american english:

“… the bottom of the totem pole we don't …”

meanings of totem

noun:

The clan whose kinship is defined in reference to such an object or creature.
An arbitrarily chosen object serving as a reminder to check whether one is awake or not, to aid in having lucid dreams.
Any natural object or living creature that serves as an emblem of a tribe, clan or family.
The representation of such object or creature.

totem frequency in english - C2+ level of CEFR

the word totem occurs in english on average 1.3 times per one million words; this frequency warrants it to be in the study list for C2+ level of language mastery according to CEFR, the Common European Framework of Reference.