Save yourself the awkward stares—get these names right before you board the plane.
Nothing kills your travel confidence faster than confidently saying a city name… completely wrong. Locals might laugh, correct you, or just look confused. While it’s a common mistake, mispronouncing a place can make it harder to connect and get around. The good news? A little prep goes a long way—and we’ve got you covered.
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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