Black Friday is one of the busiest shopping days of the year. It’s the day after Thanksgiving in the United States, and it marks the beginning of the holiday shopping season. On Black Friday, stores offer huge discounts on popular products, and people around the world take advantage of these deals—both in physical stores and online.
When shopping during Black Friday, many people look for big-name brands. These brands offer discounts on clothing, electronics, makeup, toys, furniture, and much more. But for English learners or non-native speakers, one challenge often comes up: how to pronounce popular brand names correctly.
In this article, we will cover how to pronounce common brands you might see on Black Friday. You’ll learn the correct English pronunciation and tips to help you sound more natural when speaking. Whether you’re shopping online, asking for help in a store, or talking with friends about your purchases, knowing how to pronounce these brands will give you more confidence.
1. Nike – /ˈnaɪki/
Many people pronounce this brand as “Nike” (rhyming with “bike”), but the correct pronunciation is /ˈnaɪki/, which rhymes with “spiky.”
✅ Correct: “NAI-kee”
❌ Incorrect: “Nike” (like “bike”)
Nike is a popular brand for shoes, sportswear, and athletic gear.
2. Adidas – /əˈdiːdəs/
Adidas is a German sportswear brand, and in American English, it’s pronounced /əˈdiːdəs/.
✅ Correct: “ah-DEE-dus”
❌ Incorrect: “ah-DYE-das” or “ADD-das”
In British English, the pronunciation might slightly differ, with more emphasis on the first syllable, but both are understood.
3. Amazon – /ˈæməzɒn/
One of the biggest online stores, Amazon is pronounced /ˈæməzɒn/ in British English and /ˈæməzɑːn/ in American English.
✅ Correct: “AM-uh-zon” (UK) or “AM-uh-zahn” (US)
This is a go-to site for Black Friday deals.
4. Apple – /ˈæpəl/
The famous technology brand Apple is pronounced /ˈæpəl/, just like the fruit.
✅ Correct: “AP-uhl”
People buy iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks during Black Friday sales.
5. Samsung – /ˈsæmsʌŋ/
The Korean electronics giant Samsung is often mispronounced. In English, it’s /ˈsæmsʌŋ/.
✅ Correct: “SAM-sung”
❌ Incorrect: “SAHM-soong” or “SAM-son”
They offer deals on TVs, phones, and home appliances.
6. Huawei – /ˈhwɑːweɪ/
Huawei is a Chinese electronics brand. Many people are unsure how to say it, but the correct English pronunciation is /ˈhwɑːweɪ/.
✅ Correct: “HWA-way”
It’s popular for smartphones and tech gadgets.
7. Lenovo – /ləˈnoʊvoʊ/
Lenovo is a global technology brand known for laptops and tablets.
✅ Correct: “luh-NO-voh”
Make sure to stress the second syllable.
8. Sony – /ˈsoʊni/
The Japanese brand Sony is simple to pronounce.
✅ Correct: “SOH-nee”
This brand is well-known for PlayStation, TVs, and audio devices.
9. Microsoft – /ˈmaɪkrəˌsɒft/
The tech giant Microsoft is pronounced /ˈmaɪkrəˌsɒft/ in British English or /ˈmaɪkrəˌsɑːft/ in American English.
✅ Correct: “MY-cro-soft”
Think of Microsoft Windows and Xbox sales during Black Friday.
10. Dell – /dɛl/
Dell is another computer brand that’s easy to pronounce.
✅ Correct: “Dell”
It rhymes with “bell” and “sell.”
11. HP (Hewlett-Packard)
HP is usually said as the initials: “H-P.”
✅ Correct: “AYCH-PEE”
Many people buy HP laptops and printers on Black Friday.
12. LG – /ˌɛlˈdʒi/
LG, the electronics company from South Korea, is also pronounced by its initials.
✅ Correct: “EL-GEE”
They’re known for TVs, refrigerators, and other electronics.
13. Gucci – /ˈɡuːtʃi/
Gucci is a luxury fashion brand from Italy.
✅ Correct: “GOO-chee”
❌ Incorrect: “GUCK-ee” or “GUS-see”
Even luxury brands offer discounts on Black Friday.
14. Louis Vuitton – /ˌluːiː vɪˈtɒn/
This French fashion brand is tricky. It’s pronounced /ˌluːiː vɪˈtɒn/.
✅ Correct: “LOO-ee vee-TAWN”
❌ Incorrect: “Lewis Voo-ton” or “Louie Vutton”
15. Zara – /ˈzɑːrə/
Zara is a Spanish fashion brand.
✅ Correct: “ZAH-rah” (in the U.S., sometimes “ZARE-uh”)
❌ Incorrect: “ZAR-rah”
16. H&M – /ˌeɪtʃ ən ˈem/
H&M stands for Hennes & Mauritz. People pronounce it by the letters:
✅ Correct: “H and M” or “AYCH-ehm”
A popular clothing store with big Black Friday discounts.
17. Uniqlo – /ˈjuːnikloʊ/
This Japanese clothing brand is pronounced /ˈjuːnikloʊ/.
✅ Correct: “YOO-nee-klo”
❌ Incorrect: “You-NEEK-lo”
18. Sephora – /səˈfɔːrə/
Sephora is a well-known cosmetics store.
✅ Correct: “suh-FOR-uh”
❌ Incorrect: “SEE-for-a” or “Sef-OR-ra”
19. IKEA – /aɪˈkiːə/
In English, IKEA is usually pronounced /aɪˈkiːə/, although the Swedish pronunciation is different.
✅ Correct: “eye-KEE-uh”
❌ Incorrect: “EE-kay-uh”
20. Puma – /ˈpjuːmə/
Puma, the sportswear brand, is pronounced /ˈpjuːmə/.
✅ Correct: “PYOO-ma” (U.S. and UK)
Some say “POO-ma” in other countries, but “PYOO-ma” is more common in English.
Tips for Learning Pronunciation
- Listen to native speakers – Watch commercials, YouTube reviews, or fashion influencers. Listen carefully to how they say brand names.
- Use dictionary apps – Websites like Cambridge or Oxford have audio for pronunciation in both UK and US English.
- Practice speaking out loud – Say the brand names as you read them. Repeat after recordings.
- Record yourself – Compare your pronunciation to native examples and make corrections.
- Break the words into syllables – For example, “a-DI-das” or “LOO-ee vee-TAWN.”
Why Pronunciation Matters on Black Friday
If you’re shopping online or visiting stores in English-speaking countries, correct pronunciation can help you:
- Ask sales assistants questions clearly.
- Search online using voice search tools like Siri or Alexa.
- Talk to friends confidently about what deals you found.
- Avoid confusion when talking about specific brands or products.
Conclusion
Black Friday is a fun, exciting, and sometimes chaotic time to shop. But with so many deals on popular brands, it’s helpful to know how to say those names correctly in English. Whether you’re buying electronics, clothes, or cosmetics, learning brand name pronunciation can boost your communication skills and confidence.
Now that you know how to pronounce popular brands like Nike, Gucci, and Samsung, you’re ready to shop smart and speak clearly. Happy Black Friday shopping! 🛍️
