English is a beautiful, complex, and sometimes frustrating language—especially when it comes to pronunciation. Unlike languages that have strict phonetic rules, English often dances to its own tune. Some words look one way, sound another, and behave entirely differently when spoken by native speakers. Mispronunciations can happen to anyone, whether you’re a language learner or a fluent speaker encountering an uncommon word.
In this article, we’ll explore some commonly mispronounced English words, how to say them correctly, and why they’re so tricky. If you want to sound more fluent, confident, and polished, don’t skip these pronunciation pitfalls.
1. Mischievous
Wrong: mis-CHEE-vee-us
Right: MIS-chuh-vus
This is one of the most frequently mispronounced words in English. Many people add an extra syllable, saying “mis-chee-vee-us.” But the correct pronunciation only has three syllables: MIS-chuh-vus. There is no “ee” sound before the “vus.”
Example sentence:
The mischievous child hid all the cookies.
2. February
Wrong: Feb-yoo-air-ee
Right: FEB-roo-air-ee
Yes, that first “r” is there, and it’s supposed to be pronounced! Most people glide right over it, saying “Feb-yoo-ary,” but technically it’s FEB-roo-air-ee. It’s subtle, and even native speakers often soften it, but it’s good to know the proper way.
Tip: Break it into parts: Feb-ru-ary.
3. Pronunciation
Wrong: pro-NOUN-ciation
Right: pruh-nun-see-AY-shun
Ironically, “pronunciation” is one of the most commonly mispronounced words in English. It’s often confused with the verb “pronounce.” But the noun drops the “ou” sound and uses a short “u” instead.
Remember: It’s “pronunciation,” not “pronounciation.”
4. Et cetera (etc.)
Wrong: ek-set-er-uh
Right: et-set-er-uh
There’s no “k” sound in “et cetera.” It comes from Latin and means “and the rest.” You’ll often hear people say “ek-setera,” but that hard “k” is incorrect.
Pro Tip: Think “et,” like in “et tu, Brute?”
5. Nuclear
Wrong: NOO-kyuh-lur
Right: NOO-klee-er
This mispronunciation became so common that it’s almost accepted in casual conversation—but that doesn’t make it correct. The word is “nuclear,” as in “new-clear,” not “nuke-you-lur.”
Example:
The country is developing nuclear energy capabilities.
6. Library
Wrong: lie-berry
Right: LIE-brer-ee
There’s an “r” in the middle of “library,” and it should be heard. Don’t skip it! Saying “lie-berry” may sound cute from a toddler, but adults need to get it right.
Trick: Say it slowly: LIE-bruh-ree.
7. Often
Wrong: OFF-ten (with a pronounced “t”)
Right: OFF-en
The “t” in “often” is silent. Though some dictionaries now accept the “t” pronunciation due to widespread usage, traditional and more formal speech drops it. So if you’re aiming for polished English, go with OFF-en.
8. Salmon
Wrong: SAL-mun
Right: SAM-un
The “l” is completely silent. Many people are tempted to pronounce it, but it’s one of those odd spellings in English that doesn’t match its sound. It rhymes with “jammin’.”
Pro tip: Think of “salmon” like “Simon” with an “a.”
9. Colonel
Wrong: CO-lo-nel
Right: KER-nul
This one defies logic. There’s no “r” in the spelling, yet the pronunciation demands it. English borrowed “colonel” from the French coronel, but changed the spelling while keeping the French sound.
Just memorize this one—there’s no guessing here.
10. Asterisk
Wrong: as-ter-ik
Right: AS-ter-isk
The final “s” should not be dropped or turned into a “k” sound. It’s not “asterik”—it’s “asterisk,” with the “sk” at the end. This little star symbol deserves respect.
11. Zoology
Wrong: zoo-ology
Right: zo-ology or zoh-ology
While “zoo” is a tempting prefix, the “oo” sound is usually dropped in scientific pronunciation. Most professionals say zo-ology, as in “biology.” If you say zoo-ology, it may sound less scholarly.
12. Espresso
Wrong: ex-presso
Right: ess-press-o
There’s no “x” in “espresso.” The mistake likely comes from the speed at which it’s served or a misunderstanding of the Italian origin. But if you want to sound like you know your coffee, stick with ess-press-o.
13. Sherbet
Wrong: sher-bert
Right: sher-bit
There’s only one “r” in “sherbet.” Despite what ice cream ads and cartoon characters might say, the second “r” doesn’t exist. The word ends with “-bet,” not “-bert.”
14. Realtor
Wrong: real-a-tor
Right: reel-tor
There are only two syllables in “realtor,” but people often add an extra one: “real-a-tor.” If you’re in the property business or buying a home, it’s important to say it correctly.
Example:
The realtor showed us six houses before noon.
15. Quinoa
Wrong: kwin-oh-a or kee-noh-a
Right: KEEN-wah
Quinoa is a superfood with a super confusing pronunciation. Originating from Quechua via Spanish, this tricky word is often butchered. The correct way is KEEN-wah.
Bonus Tips for Better Pronunciation:
- Listen Actively: Watch shows, listen to podcasts, or use language apps with native speakers. Hearing real-world usage helps internalize correct sounds.
- Practice Out Loud: Reading difficult words out loud can train your mouth and ears to get familiar with unusual patterns.
- Break Words into Syllables: Slowing things down often helps. Say each part carefully before speeding up.
- Use a Dictionary with Audio: Online dictionaries often have pronunciation guides with audio clips—use them!
- Record Yourself: Compare your pronunciation to native speakers. It’s a great self-check method.
Final Thoughts
Mispronunciations can be embarrassing, sure—but they’re also fixable. English is full of traps, odd spellings, and borrowed words that don’t play by the rules. Don’t let them trip you up. With a little attention and practice, you can navigate these pronunciation pitfalls like a pro.
Remember: clarity beats speed, and confidence grows with knowledge. So the next time you walk into a library (not a “lie-berry”) or order an espresso (not an “expresso”), you’ll know exactly what to say—and how to say it.
