Buzz
It's always important to respect the cultures and traditions of different nations, but sometimes we unintentionally butcher their pronunciations. Whether you're planning to travel, discuss foreign affairs, or simply want to brush up on your knowledge, here are 10 of the most commonly mispronounced country names.
1. Pakistan
Do you pronounce it as “Pack-iss-stan”? Forget that “A” sound. It’s actually pronounced “Pock-kee-stahn.” And if you're curious about why so many country names end with “-stan,” it translates to “settlement,” “state,” or “place” in various languages. The name Pakistan is an acronym created from the country's cultural groups in the 1930s: Punjabi, Afghani, Kashmiri, Sindhi, and Balochistan. (They did add an 'i' though.)
2. Iran
Iran isn't pronounced like “I ran.” It’s “Eee-rahn.” However you pronounce it, don’t forget the sunscreen. In 2017, the city of Ahvaz in Iran recorded a temperature of 129°F.
3. Samoa
This island—and Girl Scout Cookie flavor— is often pronounced as “Sam-oh-uh.” The correct way is “Saah-moah.” And while no one’s entirely sure about the cookie connection, it might have something to do with coconuts.
4. Belarus
Do you pronounce it as “Bel-air-us”? It’s actually “Bel-uh-rooz.”
5. Qatar
Soccer fans should get familiar with the pronunciation of this Middle Eastern country ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It’s often mispronounced as “Kah-tahr,” but the correct way is “Kut-uhr.” If you're flying from Auckland, New Zealand, you’ll have plenty of time to practice, as the non-stop flight to Qatar is one of the longest in the world at 18 hours.
6. Iraq
If you’re saying “Eye-rack,” you’re not quite there. It’s actually “Ee-rock.” In 2017, a Bronze Age city named Mardaman was identified (“eye-den-tee-fied”) there.
7. Antigua
Many people mistakenly add a “gwah” sound, turning it into “Ann-tee-gwah.” The correct pronunciation is “An-tee-guh.”
8. Laos
Don’t pronounce it as “Lay-ouse.” It’s simply “Louse.”
9. Nepal
This country is frequently mentioned, as it's home to Mount Everest. However, many people say “Neh-paal” when they should actually say “Ni-paul.”
10. Kyrgyzstan
Don’t pronounce it as “Cry-gee-stan.” Instead, go with “Keer-gihs-taan.” And remember, the “Z” is silent.
