14 Places You’ve Been Pronouncing Wrong Your Whole Life

Let’s face it—nobody’s immune to the occasional tongue-tied moment, especially when it comes to pronouncing unfamiliar places. Whether you’re planning a trip abroad or connecting with locals while travelling, getting these names right shows cultural respect and an eagerness to connect. So let’s dive right in and see how many of these countries and cities you can pronounce correctly on the first try!

Also read: Travel Dupes Near Singapore: Budget-Friendly Alternatives To Touristy Destinations

Central Asia

1. Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan, tea is more than just a drink—it’s a cherished part of daily life. Served traditionally in a pear-shaped glass, it’s often enjoyed with lumps of sugar or spoonfuls of jam held in the mouth. Tea drinking is a social ritual, with locals frequently gathering in tea houses to relax and converse. Known for their hospitality, Azerbaijanis offer a cup of tea as a warm gesture, inviting others to join in their rich cultural traditions and create meaningful connections.

How it’s pronounced:
airzur-by-jahn OR airzer-bai-jen

NOT:
ahzer-bai-jen
ahzer-bai-jahn

2. Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a land of towering peaks and breathtaking landscapes, with over 88 major mountain ranges covering more than 70% of its territory. These majestic ranges are part of the Tien Shan, one of the most awe-inspiring mountain systems in the world. Among Kyrgyzstan’s natural wonders is the Inylchek Glacier, one of the largest glaciers on Earth, drawing adventurers and mountaineers from around the globe. The country’s rugged beauty and pristine wilderness make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking to reconnect with nature.

How it’s pronounced:
keer-gih-stun OR keer-gih-sten

NOT:
ker-gihs-stun/ker-gihs-tun
ker-gihs-sten/ker-gihs-ten
ker-gee-stun
ky-r-gee-sten

Latin America

3. Suriname

Suriname stands out as the only country in South America where Dutch is the official language, a reflection of its unique colonial history. Known for its vibrant multicultural identity, Suriname also has a lively tradition tied to the festive season.

Fun fact: It’s rumoured to have one of the highest per capita “consumptions” of fireworks in the world, with dazzling displays lighting up the skies from a few days before Christmas until well into the new year. These spirited celebrations make Suriname a dynamic and colourful destination during the holiday season.

How it’s pronounced:
sir-ree-nahm

NOT:
sir-ree-nah-meh
sir-ree-naym
soo-ree-nahm

4. Uruguay

Uruguay, named after the Uruguay River, which means “river of painted birds” in the Guarani language, is a small country with a big connection to its natural heritage. Known for its vast pastures and thriving livestock industry, Uruguay boasts a cattle herd of over 12 million—nearly four cows for every one of its 3.3 million residents. This remarkable ratio reflects the country’s deep agricultural roots and its reputation for producing some of the finest beef in the world.

How it’s pronounced:
you-roo-gwai

NOT:
woo-roo-gway

Middle East

5. Iraq

Iraq is a country steeped in history, known for its rich traditions and strong sense of community. Hospitality is central to Iraqi culture, and this extends to the dining table. Eating quickly or without utensils is seen not as impolite but as a heartfelt compliment to the host, signaling enjoyment of the meal.

Fun fact: More than half of all brides and grooms marry their first or second cousin in Iraq.

How it’s pronounced:
ee-rahk

NOT:
eye-rahk
ee-reck
ee-rock

6. Oman

Oman, the oldest independent state in the Arab world, is a land of timeless beauty and cultural heritage. One of its most charming features is its tradition of intricately ornamented doors. Even the simplest homes are adorned with colourful, embroidered doors that reflect Omani craftsmanship and artistic expression. These beautifully crafted doors symbolize a warm welcome and a deep connection to the country’s architectural traditions, making every street in Oman a visual delight.

How it’s pronounced:
oh-mahn

NOT:
oh-man

7. Giza (Egypt)

Giza is synonymous with ancient wonders and timeless marvels. Home to the Great Pyramid of Giza—the only surviving Wonder of the Ancient World—the city draws visitors from across the globe to its iconic Giza Plateau. Alongside the pyramid, the Great Sphinx, other magnificent pyramids, and ancient temples stand as enduring testaments to the ingenuity and grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization. These awe-inspiring monuments make Giza a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travellers alike.

How it’s pronounced:
ghi-za

NOT:
gee-za
gee-zer

South Asia

8. Bengaluru (India)

Bengaluru, formerly known as Bangalore, is a dynamic metropolis often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of India” due to its status as the country’s tech hub, home to over 200 software companies. The city boasts a vibrant cultural diversity, with a unique demographic where less than half of its population is local, creating a melting pot of traditions and influences. Bengaluru’s blend of cutting-edge innovation and rich heritage makes it one of India’s most fascinating urban centres.

How it’s pronounced:
bang-guh-loo-roo

NOT:
behng-gah-loo-roo
bung-gah-loo-roo

9. Maldives

The Maldives is a stunning archipelago made up of over 1,000 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and luxurious resorts. With 99% of its territory covered by the sea, the nation is especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The Maldives has become a global symbol for environmental awareness, with the government taking innovative steps to highlight the urgency of protecting the environment.

How it’s pronounced:
mall-deeves

NOT:
mall-dives
mel-dives

Sub-Saharan Africa

10. Cote d’Ivoire

Also known as the Ivory Coast, Côte d’Ivoire is famed for its role as the world’s largest producer of cocoa. The country’s fertile soil and favourable climate make it an ideal location for growing cocoa beans, which are sold to major global chocolate companies like Cadbury, Hershey’s, and Nestlé. Chocolate lovers around the world unknowingly enjoy the fruits of Côte d’Ivoire’s labour, as the country supplies the raw materials for some of the most popular chocolate brands. Alongside its cocoa industry, Côte d’Ivoire is also known for its rich cultural heritage, with a diverse population and a blend of traditional and modern influences.

How it’s pronounced:
coat-di-vwah

NOT:
coat-di-ee-vwore
co-tay-di-ee-vwah-ray

11. Djibouti

Djibouti is both the name of the country and its capital city, which is also the largest city in the nation. While it may sound a bit confusing, the city and the country share the same name. One unique aspect of Djibouti is its taxi fares—after sunset, they increase by 50%, so if you’re planning to travel around the city, it’s best to get a cab during the day. Djibouti is strategically located at the crossroads of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, making it an important port and a hub for international trade.

How it’s pronounced:
ji-boo-tee (try to put a ‘d’ sound in front of the ‘ji’)

NOT:
dee-ji-bou-tee
dee-ji-bout-tee

12. Niger

Niger is known as the “Frying Pan of the World” due to its scorching temperatures, making it one of the hottest countries on Earth. The country’s vast desert landscapes, particularly the Sahara, contribute to its extreme heat. But Niger is not just about heat — it’s also famous for its paleontological significance. The Nigersaurus, a unique dinosaur species, was discovered here, adding a layer of historical intrigue to this arid landscape. Despite its harsh climate, Niger has a rich cultural heritage and is home to diverse ethnic groups and traditions.

How it’s pronounced:
nai-jher OR nee-zjer

NOT:
nai-gir
a profanity

13. Seychelles

Seychelles is a stunning archipelago consisting of 155 islands, including 42 granite islands and 113 coral islands. Despite its breathtaking beauty, with its pristine beaches and diverse marine life, Seychelles holds the title of the smallest country in Africa, both by population size and area. The country’s isolation in the Indian Ocean and its wealth of natural resources make it a unique destination, with a rich biodiversity that includes species found nowhere else on Earth.

How it’s pronounced:
say-shells

NOT:
say-chells
say-cher-lis
say-sher-lis

That wasn’t so hard, was it? Now that you’ve learnt how to pronounce those country and city names, be sure to spread the love and test your friends’ pronunciations as well!

South East Asia

14. Genting

Genting is a popular resort destination located in Malaysia, known for its cool climate and entertainment offerings. Perched in the mountains, Genting Highlands is a favoured getaway for both locals and tourists seeking to escape the heat of the lowlands. The area is home to the famous Resorts World Genting, a sprawling resort complex that includes a casino, theme park, luxury hotels, and various dining and shopping options. It’s often referred to as Malaysia’s “City of Entertainment” due to its wide array of attractions.

Also read: Food, Culture, and Hoodies: A Genting and Melaka Itinerary For the Year-End Holidays

How it’s pronounced:
Guhn-ting

NOT:
Gent-ting or Jent-ting

Disclaimer: These pronunciations were mostly checked via Oxford Dictionaries, but were also checked across sites like Inogolo and Pronounce Names.

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Contributed by GoBeyond.SG.