Don’t Embarrass Yourself Abroad: 12 Key Place Names You Should Pronounce Correctly

Don’t embarrass yourself on your next trip—learn these before you go!

There’s nothing like confidently asking a local for directions—only to have them stare at you blankly because you butchered the name of their hometown. Mispronouncing a destination isn’t just a minor faux pas; it can lead to confusion, miscommunication, and even a few chuckles at your expense. But don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

Let’s Get It Right!

Whether you’re planning a trip abroad or just want to sound more cultured at your next dinner party, mastering the correct pronunciation of these popular destinations can go a long way. Let’s dive into some of the most commonly mispronounced travel spots and learn how to say them like a local.

1. Cannes, France

Correct: KAN
Incorrect: CON, CONZ, or CON-es
Home to the famous film festival, this French Riviera city often trips up English speakers. Remember, the ‘s’ is silent, and it’s pronounced simply as “Kan.” ​

2. Phuket, Thailand

Correct: Poo-KET
Incorrect: Fuh-KET
Despite the spelling, this tropical paradise is pronounced with a hard ‘P’ sound. Mispronouncing it can lead to some awkward moments. ​

3. Ibiza, Spain

Correct: ee-BEE-tha
Incorrect: ih-BEE-za or eye-BEE-tha
The ‘z’ in Spanish is pronounced like a ‘th,’ giving this party island its unique pronunciation, by locals, however, it can be pronounced differently, depending on where you are in the world. ​ 

4. Versailles, France

Correct: vair-SIGH
Incorrect: ver-SALES or ver-SAY-les
This opulent palace’s name ends with a silent ‘s’ and a ‘y’ sound, not ‘sales.’ ​

5. Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

Correct: WUSS-ter
Incorrect: WAR-chest-er or WOR-sess-ter
This New England city drops several letters in pronunciation, leading to its concise sound. I live in Massachusetts; trust me. 

6. Reykjavik, Iceland

Correct: RAYK-yah-vik
Incorrect: RAKE-juh-vick
The capital of Iceland has a pronunciation that reflects its Nordic roots. ​

7. Qatar

Correct: KUH-tar
Incorrect: kuh-TAR or KAT-ar
This Middle Eastern country’s name is often mispronounced; the emphasis is on the first syllable. ​

8. Melbourne, Australia

Correct: MEL-buhn
Incorrect: Mel-BORN
Australians tend to soften the ending, making it sound more like ‘MEL-buhn.’ ​

9. Laos

Correct: Louse
Incorrect: Lay-oss
Easiest way to remember is that it rhymes with “house”.

10. Antigua

Correct: An-TEE-guh
Incorrect: An-TEE-gwah
The ‘u’ is silent in this Caribbean island’s name. ​

11. Dubai, UAE

Correct: Doo-BYE
Incorrect: Doo-BAY
The city’s name ends with a long ‘i’ sound.​

12. Oaxaca, Mexico

Correct: Wah-HAH-kah
Incorrect: Oh-AX-uh-ka
This Mexican state’s name is derived from the Nahuatl language, leading to its unique pronunciation.

The Takeaway

Mastering the correct pronunciation of these destinations not only shows respect for the local culture but also enhances your travel experience. It can open doors to more authentic interactions and prevent potential misunderstandings. So, before you pack your bags, take a moment to learn how to say where you’re going—you’ll be glad you did.

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