The spelling of the word "DODE" may seem confusing at first glance, but it is actually quite simple when broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The word consists of four letters - D, O, D, and E - and is pronounced as /dɑd/. The "D" sound is repeated twice, while the "O" sound is pronounced as a short "o" sound. The final "E" sound is pronounced as a long "e" sound. This phonetic transcription helps to accurately convey the pronunciation of the word, making it easier for readers to understand its spelling.