Top Mispronounced Locations Around the Globe

Whether you’re jet-setting to far-off destinations or chatting about global events with friends, you’re likely to encounter places with tricky pronunciations. Don’t wait for the moment of embarrassment—dive into our curated list of the most commonly mispronounced locations worldwide. This way, you can confidently discuss your travel experiences and even impress the locals along the way!

The 20 most mispronounced places around the world

1. Cannes, France

Correct pronunciation: KAN or KAN-uh

Incorrect pronunciation: CON or CONZ or CON-es

Have you ever stumbled over the pronunciation of the Cannes Film Festival? You’re definitely not alone—many celebrities attending the event face the same challenge! A common misstep, even for those new to French, is pronouncing the final “s,” which is usually silent. So, go ahead and drop the “es” entirely. Additionally, avoid pronouncing it as “con,” which could lead to an unfortunate misunderstanding with a more vulgar connotation. Instead, remember that Cannes is pronounced simply as “Kan.”

Tip for Fluency: To enhance your native-like pronunciation, try adding a subtle “-uh” sound at the end of “Kan,” making it “Kan-uh.” Additionally, familiarizing yourself with the unique phonetic nuances of the French language will further improve your speaking skills.

2. River Thames, England

Correct pronunciation: TEMZ

Incorrect pronunciation: THAYMZ

When you see the name “Thames,” you might instinctively pronounce the “th” like in words such as thick, theater, or three—especially if you’re learning English. However, when it comes to the River Thames in England, the “th” is pronounced as a “t,” making it sound like “TEMZ.” But why is that? Historians suggest that King George I, the first British monarch from the German House of Hanover, struggled with the “th” sound and called it “Temmes.” Since no one dared to correct the king, the river has been known as the River Thames ever since.

3. Yosemite National Park, USA

Correct pronunciation: yoh-SEH-muh-dee or yoh-SEH-muh-tee

Incorrect pronunciation: yoh-SEH-mi-nee or YOH-se-might

The next time you find yourself unsure how to pronounce Yosemite, one of America’s most iconic national parks, don’t worry—you’re not alone; even a former U.S. president has stumbled over it! To make it easier, let’s break it down into syllables. Start with “yoh,” like in “yo-yo.” Then emphasize “seh,” similar to the beginning of “set.” Next, add “muh,” as in “mother,” followed by “tee,” like in “teeth.” Put it all together, and you’ve got “yoh-SEH-muh-tee.” Now you can confidently share the park’s name!

Pro Tip: Want to sound more American? Try pronouncing the “T” as a “D.” In American English, when a “T” is nestled between two vowels, it often gets pronounced as a quick “D.” For example, you’ll commonly hear Americans say “yoh-SEH-muh-dee.”

4. Louvre Museum, Paris, France

Correct pronunciation: LOO-vruh

Incorrect pronunciation: LOOV or LOO-vray or LOO-vraa or LOO-ver

In English, the letter combination “vre” is quite rare, which can lead to confusion over how to pronounce names like “Louvre.” As a result, locals in Paris often hear tourists mispronouncing this famous art museum. Some visitors attempt “LOO-vray,” while others opt for “LOO-ver” or even simplify it to “LOOV.” However, the closest English approximation of the French pronunciation is “LOO-vruh.” Armed with this knowledge, you’re all set to enjoy the Mona Lisa!

Pro tip: If you’d like to impress Paris locals and perfect the guttural “R” in French, try out these three steps.

5. Versailles, France

Correct pronunciation: vair-SIGH

Incorrect pronunciation: ver-SALES or ver-SAY-les

If you tuned into the TV series *Versailles*, you had a perfect chance to master the pronunciation of this iconic French town, palace, and treaty. Missed the show? No worries—you might want to brush up on your French! Just like with Cannes, the French drop the “es” in Versailles, and the double “L” is silent. So, you’re left with just two syllables: “ver,” which sounds like “vair,” and “sai,” pronounced like “sigh.” Put it all together, and you get “vair-SIGH.” However, if you find yourself in Versailles, Kentucky, remember to say “ver-SALES” instead!

6. Seychelles, East Africa

Correct pronunciation: SAY-shellz

Incorrect pronunciation: say-CHE-les

The name of this African archipelago might seem tricky at first glance, but it’s actually quite simple to pronounce: “SAY-shellz.” Just combine two familiar English words, and you’re good to go! If you ever forget how to say it, try using the classic tongue twister “Sally sells seashells by the seashore” and tweak it to “Sally sells seashells in Seychelles.” It’s a fun way to remember, and it sounds great when you say it!

7. Ibiza, Spain

Correct pronunciation: ee-BEE-tha

Incorrect pronunciation: ih-BEE-za or eye-BEE-tha or ee-BEE-za

Ibiza, a renowned hotspot for its lively nightlife, attracts visitors from all corners of the globe, each with their own unique way of pronouncing the name of this Spanish island. German tourists typically say “ee-BEET-sa,” while Americans tend to pronounce it as “ih-BEE-za,” and Brits often go for “eye-BEE-tha.” Interestingly, some even believe your pronunciation reveals your clubbing style! To sound like a true Spaniard, aim for “ee-BEE-tha.” The reason behind the “za” becoming “tha” lies in Spain’s Spanish dialect, where the letter “Z” is pronounced as a soft “th,” unlike in Latin American Spanish, where it’s pronounced as an “s” (as in “ee-BEE-sa”).

8. Phuket, Thailand

Correct pronunciation: poo-KET

Incorrect pronunciation: FUE-ket or fue-KET or FUH-ket

Many English speakers may feel hesitant to pronounce the name of this Thai island, worried they might offend someone, while others might chuckle upon seeing it. This is largely because in English, words starting with “ph” often sound like an “f” (think pharmacy, photograph, phantom), leading to the mispronunciation of Phuket as “FUH-ket.” However, the correct pronunciation is actually “poo-KET,” with a firm “P” and emphasis on the second syllable. Despite this clarification, the name may still provoke laughter from playful kids and cheeky adults alike.

9. Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda

Correct pronunciation: an-TEE-guh

Incorrect pronunciation: an-TEE-gwah

While you might feel inclined to say “an-TEE-gwah” when referring to this Caribbean gem, be aware that the “U” is silent. It can be tricky for those who rely on phonetic pronunciation, but just like in familiar English words such as “build,” “guest,” and “tongue,” the silent “U” in Antigua is a common occurrence. The correct pronunciation is “an-TEE-guh,” as if the “U” were never there. However, once you find yourself strolling along the pristine white sandy beaches of this tropical paradise, any frustration over the name will likely fade away.

10. Dubai, UAE

Correct pronunciation: doo-BAY

Incorrect pronunciation: doo-BYE

If you were surprised by #10, don’t worry! The widely accepted English pronunciation of Dubai is “doo-BYE,” embraced by everyone from news anchors to travel bloggers. However, if you prefer a more traditional approach, the Arabic pronunciation is “doo-BAY.” That said, with around 85% of Dubai’s population being expatriates and immigrants, the anglicized version is by far the most popular way to say it.

Tip of the day: No matter if you say “doo-BYE” or “doo-BAY,” make sure to pronounce “doo” with a short, quick “O” sound rather than stretching it out. This pronunciation aligns more closely with the original Arabic sounds.

11. Oaxaca, Mexico

Correct pronunciation: wah-HAH-kah

Incorrect pronunciation: OAK-suh-kuh or oh-AX-uh-cuh

A recent survey revealed that a staggering 76% of British travelers mispronounce the Mexican city and state of Oaxaca, a challenge that can also perplex native Spanish speakers unfamiliar with the region. The confusion stems from the pronunciation of the letter “X.” In modern Spanish, an “X” between vowels typically sounds like “ks,” similar to the English word “tax.” However, many Mexican names derive from the Aztec language, Nahuatl, where “X” was originally pronounced as “-sh,” later evolving to a “-h” sound. Therefore, “oa” is pronounced “wah,” “xa” as “HAH,” and “ca” as “kah,” resulting in the correct pronunciation: “wah-HAH-kah.”

12. Maldives, Indonesia

Correct pronunciation: MULL-deevz

Incorrect pronunciation: mal-DIVES or MAL-deevz or MOLE-deevz

Absolutely, you can explore the stunning, crystal-clear waters of the Maldives, but make sure to pronounce the name correctly! Instead of saying “mal-DIVES,” place the emphasis on the first syllable: say “MULL-deeves.” Swap “mal” for “MULL” (like in “mullet”) and pronounce “dives” as “deeves,” similar to starting the word “devious.” Now you’re all set to gear up with your fins and snorkel and dive into the breathtaking “MULL-deeves.” Just remember to keep an eye out for sharks—and avoid any mispronunciations while you’re enjoying your adventure!

13. Laos

Correct pronunciation: LOUSE (like “blouse”) or LOU (like “loud”)

Incorrect pronunciation: LAY-os or LA-ose or LOSS

The standard English pronunciation of the Southeast Asian country Laos is “LOUSE,” similar to the word “blouse.” However, many locals prefer to drop the “S,” pronouncing it as “LOU,” which rhymes with “plow.” This variation arises because the Lao language lacks a final “-s” sound. Interestingly, a travel blogger conducted an informal survey and found that while a small group of Laotians favored the “LOUSE” pronunciation for foreigners, they were not offended by “LOU.” One thing is clear: avoid saying “LAY-os” at all costs!

14. Beijing, China

Correct pronunciation: bay-JING

Incorrect pronunciation: beige-ING

If you tuned into the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics or the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, you likely heard the name of this iconic city mentioned frequently. However, many commentators—and English speakers in general—mispronounced it as “beige-ING.” This mispronunciation may stem from a tendency to give foreign names an exotic flair, often resembling French pronunciations. In reality, the correct pronunciation of Beijing is closer to “bay-JING.” If you find yourself unsure about how to say it, consider looking at the two Chinese characters for a helpful guide.

15. Seoul, South Korea

Correct pronunciation: SUH-ool or SOLE

Incorrect pronunciation: SEE-ole or see-ULE

When it comes to pronouncing the capital of South Korea, Seoul, many English speakers opt for “SOLE,” reminiscent of the bottom of a shoe. This pronunciation is widely accepted, appearing in dictionaries and frequently used in English-speaking settings, and many believe it closely resembles the Korean version. However, the editor of the Korean Repository strongly disagrees, arguing that Seoul is actually a two-syllable word. He warns that pronouncing it as a single syllable can lead to misunderstandings. For those eager to sound more authentic, a recommended approach is to articulate it as “SUH-ool,” with a clear distinction between the two syllables.

16. Reykjavik, Iceland

Correct pronunciation: RAKE-yah-veek

Incorrect pronunciation: RAKE-juh-vick

Reykjavik is rich in Viking history and has a unique language filled with consonant clusters. Let’s decode the pronunciation of its name so you can engage confidently with Iceland’s vibrant capital. Start with “Reyk,” which sounds like the gardening tool “rake.” Next, pronounce “ja” as “yah” rather than “juh.” Finally, say “vik” as “veek,” rhyming with “seek.” Put it all together, and you’ll say it as “RAKE-yah-veek.” Now you’re ready to explore and discuss this fascinating city!

Pro Tip: To earn extra brownie points with the locals, give a playful roll to your “R” at the start of words, similar to how it’s done in Spanish. This fun twist can enhance your connection with the community!

17. Worcester, England

Correct pronunciation: WUSS-tuh or WUSS-ter

Incorrect pronunciation: WAR-chest-er or WAR-cess-ter

As Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings aptly puts it, England is the “land of optional syllables,” exemplified by the unique pronunciation of its city names. Take Worcester, for instance. While one might expect to pronounce it as “WAR-chest-er” or “WAR-cess-ter,” British speakers have streamlined it to “WUSS-stuh,” omitting the “rce” and the final “R.” In the U.S., however, the pronunciation typically retains the second “R,” resulting in “WUSS-ster.” Linguists note that place names are particularly susceptible to this phenomenon of linguistic simplification, so be cautious when navigating them!

18. Budapest, Hungary

Correct pronunciation: boo-da-PESHT

Incorrect pronunciation: boo-da-PEST or BOO-da-pest

Similar to cities like Dubai and Seoul, the most common English pronunciations of Budapest are firmly established in dictionaries. American speakers usually pronounce it as “BOO-da-pest,” while British speakers often emphasize the final syllable, saying “boo-da-PEST.” However, Hungarians pronounce their capital as “boo-da-PESHT,” incorporating a distinct “sh” sound between the final “S” and “T.” It seems Black Widow had the pronunciation spot on!

19. Qatar

Correct pronunciation: KUH-ter

Incorrect pronunciation: kuh-TAAR or KAT-aar

Let’s dive into the challenge of pronouncing “Qatar.” The tough truth is that mastering its pronunciation requires significant time and effort, as the Arabic sounds simply don’t exist in English. For example, the “Q” in Qatar is pronounced with a guttural “K” sound that many English speakers find tricky. Traditionally, some have pronounced it as “kuh-TAAR,” but there’s a growing trend towards “KUH-ter,” which is closer to the original Arabic. While it may be a daunting task, focus on being understandable; if you struggle, don’t hesitate to spell it out!

20. Edinburgh, Scotland

Correct pronunciation: ED-in-bruh or ED-in-bur-uh

Incorrect pronunciation: ED-in-berg or ED-in-buh-row or EED-in-berg

While you might assume that Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is pronounced “PITTS-berg,” the pronunciation of Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is a bit more nuanced. The two most widely accepted pronunciations are the shorter “ED-in-bruh” and the longer “ED-in-bur-uh.” Scots are known for their quick speech and often drop vowel sounds, so begin confidently with “ED-in” and gently finish with “bruh” or “bur-uh.” With a little practice, you’ll be ready to join your Scottish friends in singing “Flower of Scotland” in no time!

Pro tip: Try and score a free pint at an Edinburgh pub by impressing someone with the local pronunciation “EM-bra.”

Online lessons

Learn a language with personalised 1-on-1 classes with our expert tutors from all over the world

English lessons online
French lessons online
Spanish lessons online

Final thoughts

Mastering the pronunciation of global locations can significantly enhance your ability to communicate about the world and connect with its inhabitants. More importantly, taking the time to pronounce others’ hometowns and countries correctly shows your respect for their languages and cultures, particularly those that differ from your own. Building these intercultural bridges is essential in fostering understanding and peace in our diverse world today.

Methodology

LingualNeeds conducted an insightful analysis of Google Search data, focusing on 68 globally recognized locations known for their challenging pronunciations. By examining the frequency of searches related to “How to pronounce,” they ranked these places based on the level of difficulty, revealing which names leave the most people tongue-tied.