20 Commonly Mispronounced Brand Names

So, ever wondered how to say “Adobe” and “Nike”? Well, if you’re from the U.S., you likely nailed it. But if you’re from the UK, Kenya, Brazil, India, Germany, or the rest of the world, you might have stumbled over the pronunciation. And hey, before Americans start feeling too proud, just throw “Hyundai” or “IKEA” into the mix and see how they fare! These are the top 20 commonly mispronounced brand names worldwide.

1. Porsche (German)

In German, “Porsche” is pronounced “Porsh-aa” with a slight emphasis on the “uh” sound at the end.

It’s important to note that the last “e” in German is not silent, unlike in English.

The company was founded by Ferdinand Porsche, and getting the pronunciation right adds a nice touch of authenticity when discussing such iconic brands.

2. Nike (American)

In American English, “Nike” is typically pronounced as “Nigh-key,” with an emphasis on the first syllable.

This pronunciation pays homage to the Greek goddess of victory, after whom the company is named.

However, in Kenya, Brazil, India, the UK, and some other regions, it’s not uncommon to hear it rhyme with “Mike.”

Regardless of where you are from, you should start pronouncing it right: “Nigh-key.” And please, stop that “Nike,” “Mike” stunt. It no longer looks good on you. Especially since the Internet has penetrated almost every part of the world, it is now easier to get it right with a simple Google search.

3. Hermès (French)

Spot on! In French, the correct pronunciation of “Hermès” is “Air-Mez,” with a soft “h” sound at the beginning.

It’s interesting to note that the brand was named after its founder, Thierry Hermès.

In French pronunciation, the “H” is silent, but the “s” at the end of the word is pronounced.

Getting the pronunciation right adds a touch of elegance when discussing Hermès, fashion accessories, scarves and ties, belts and ready-to-wear, perfumes, watches, and jewelry.

4. Louis Vuitton (French)

In French, the correct pronunciation of “Louis Vuitton” is “Loo-ee we-taahn,” with a soft “oo” sound for “Louis” and a nasalized “ahn” sound at the end for “Vuitton.”

It’s fascinating to note that the company bears the name of its founder, Louis Vuitton.

The company is known for its luxurious carry-on luggage, designer bags, perfume, and sneakers for both men and women.

Louis Vuitton is synonymous with high-end fashion and quality craftsmanship.

Getting the pronunciation right adds a touch of sophistication when discussing beautiful brands in high society.

5. Hyundai (Korean)

In Korean, the correct pronunciation of “Hyundai” is “Hun-day,” with equal emphasis on each syllable.

The word Hyundai originates from a Korean term meaning “modernity,” reflecting the brand’s commitment to innovation.

It’s also interesting to note that, despite its spelling, “Hyundai” consists of two syllables.

Hyundai was founded by Chung Ju-yung, a prominent South Korean entrepreneur, and to date, it still manufactures beautiful cars.

The Hyundai brand is known for producing a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and even luxury cars.

Their lineup caters to various market segments, from budget-friendly models to high-performance vehicles, making Hyundai a significant player in the global automotive industry.

6. IKEA (Swedish)

In Swedish, the correct pronunciation of “IKEA” is “Ee-keh-yah,” with an emphasis on the first syllable.

It’s fascinating to learn that “IKEA” is actually an acronym, standing for “Ingvar Kamprad Elmtaryd Agunnaryd.”

And what is that, you ask?

Ingvar Kamprad was indeed the founder of the company. “Elmtaryd” was the name of the farm where he grew up, and “Agunnaryd” was the name of the village where that farm was located.

This adds a rich layer of history and personal significance to the brand’s name.

7. Audi (German)

In German, the correct pronunciation of “Audi” is “Ow-dee,”.

The etymology of the name is quite intriguing.

While “Audi” means “listen” in Latin, it loosely translates to Horch in German.

This shows a correlation to its founder’s name, August Horch.

Again, “Horch” in German means “listen,” which ties back to the Latin root. August Horch, the founder, used Audi as a nod to his name, which means “listen” in German.

Audi primarily operates in the automotive industry, specializing in the production of luxury vehicles.

Their product range includes sedans, SUVs, coupes, convertibles, and performance-oriented models.

Audi is also known for its advanced technology, elegant design, and high-quality craftsmanship.

If you ask me, I’ll say, “Audi has established itself as a leading luxury car manufacturer worldwide.”

8. Yves Saint Lauren (French)

In French, the correct pronunciation of “Yves Saint Laurent” is “Eve-sahn la-Rahn,”.

The founder’s full name, Yves Henri Donat Mathieu-Saint-Laurent, was so long, hence the need for the sort form.

If you are learning about Yves Saint Laurent for the first time, it is a renowned fashion house known for its haute couture and ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, fragrances, and cosmetics.

The brand has a global presence and operates in numerous countries, including France, the United States, Italy, Japan, China, and many more.

With its iconic designs, innovative collections, and timeless elegance, Yves Saint Laurent gives an indelible taste to the world of fashion.

9. Givenchy (French)

In French, the correct pronunciation of “Givenchy” is “Jhee-Von-Shee.”

It’s quite a relief that the founder, Count Hubert Hames Marcel Taffin de Givenchy, opted for a simpler brand name! Otherwise, we would be struggling with this instead, “Count Hubert Hames Marcel Taffin de Givenchy.”

Givenchy is renowned for its haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion, as well as its accessories, perfumes, and cosmetics.

This brand is a distinguished member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture et du Prêt-à-Porter, highlighting its status in the world of high fashion.

Givenchy is presently owned by the luxury conglomerate LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy)

Givenchy continues to uphold its legacy of elegance, sophistication, and innovation in the fashion industry.

10. Versace (Italian)

In Italian, the correct pronunciation of “Versace” is “Vur-sah-chay,” with the emphasis on the second syllable.

Indeed, Gianni Versace followed the tradition of many founders of his time by using his last name as the brand name.

Versace is renowned for its luxurious and glamorous fashion designs, including clothing, accessories, fragrances, and home furnishings.

The brand has become synonymous with opulence, boldness, and innovation in the fashion industry.

11. Peugeot (French)

In French, the correct pronunciation of “Peugeot” is “Poo-zhow.”

Emile Peugeot, the founder of the company, applied for the lion trademark on November 20, 1858, which has become an iconic symbol associated with Peugeot vehicles.

In 1891, the company achieved a significant milestone by producing its first automobile.

However, due to family disagreements, Armand Peugeot decided to establish the Société des Automobiles Peugeot in 1896, marking the beginning of Peugeot’s dedicated focus on automobile manufacturing.

Since then, Peugeot has become one of the most prominent and respected automotive brands globally, known for its innovative designs, engineering excellence, and commitment to quality.

12. Adidas (German).

In German, the correct pronunciation of “Adidas” is “Add-dee-dass.”

The sportswear giant Adidas is named after its founder, Adolf “Adi” Dassler.

Adi Dassler was the younger brother of Rudolf Dassler, who founded Puma, another iconic sportswear brand.

Adi’s nickname “Adi” became synonymous with the brand, and it’s fascinating to see the connection between these two influential figures in the sports apparel industry.

13. Bulgari (Italian).

In Italian, the correct pronunciation of “Bulgari” is “Buhl-guh-ree.”

The stylization of the brand name as “Bvlgari” is indeed a nod to the classical Latin alphabet, which did not include the letter “u.”

It’s an Italianized version of the founder’s last name, Sotirios Voulgaris.

This elegant adaptation adds a touch of sophistication to the brand’s identity, reflecting its heritage and craftsmanship in luxury jewelry, watches, and accessories.

14. Gucci (Italian)

In Italian, the correct pronunciation of “Gucci” is “Goo-chi.”

The iconic fashion brand was indeed founded by Guccio Gucci.

Gucci’s legacy is deeply rooted in Italian craftsmanship and luxury, and its name has become synonymous with high fashion, elegance, and sophistication.

15. Nutella (Itallian).

The correct pronunciation of “Nutella” is just “Noo-tell-uh.”

It’s true that the name “Nutella” can sometimes trip up those not familiar with Italian pronunciation, but it’s understandable given its popularity worldwide.

The name “Nutella” is actually a combination of “nut” (an English word) and the Latin suffix “ella,” which is often used to denote something sweet or diminutive.

This clever name reflects the spread’s key ingredients (hazelnuts) and its sweet, indulgent flavor. So, it’s okay to forgive the occasional mispronunciation, especially when enjoying such a delicious treat!

16. Huawei (Chinese)

In Mandarin Chinese, the correct pronunciation of “Huawei” is indeed “Wah-way,” with equal emphasis on each syllable.

The name “Huawei” is derived from the Chinese phrase “Zhonghua youwei,” which can be translated to mean “China has promise,” “splendid achievement,” or “China is able.”

This name reflects the company’s roots and aspirations within the Chinese market.

It’s fascinating to note how Chinese characters can have multiple meanings and readings, adding layers of depth to the name “Huawei.”

And you’re right, it’s a two-syllable word, which makes it quite easy to pronounce once you get the hang of it!

17. Balenciaga (Spanish)

The correct pronunciation of “Balenciaga” is indeed “Bah-len-see-ah-gah.”

The renowned fashion house was founded by the Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, whose legacy continues to influence the world of haute couture and high fashion

While the company is now based in Paris, its Spanish heritage remains an integral part of its identity and design aesthetic.

Understanding the pronunciation and origins of “Balenciaga” adds depth and appreciation for the brand’s rich history and cultural significance.

18. Moschino (Italian)

The correct pronunciation of “Moschino” is “Mos-key-no.”

The brand was founded by the talented Italian designer Franco Moschino

Known for his playful and unconventional approach to fashion, Moschino has become synonymous with bold designs, vibrant colors, and irreverent style.

Understanding the correct pronunciation and the name behind the brand adds a layer of appreciation for its unique heritage and creative vision.

19. Tag Heuer (Swiss)

The correct pronunciation of “Tag Heuer” is indeed “Tahg-hoy-yer.”

Tag Heuer was indeed founded by Edouard Heuer

The term “Tag” in Tag Heuer stands for “Techniques d’Avant Garde,” which translates to “Avant-garde techniques” in English.

This name reflects the brand’s innovative approach to watchmaking, constantly pushing the boundaries of technology and design.

It’s interesting to note that despite the French origins of the name, it is pronounced in German, showcasing the multicultural and multilingual influences of Switzerland, where the brand originates.

20. Adobe (American)

In American English, the correct pronunciation of “Adobe” is indeed “Uh-doe-bee,” with an emphasis on the first syllable.

The word “Adobe” originates from Spanish, where it refers to sun-dried mud bricks commonly used in building construction.

Interestingly, it’s not as widely known in other English-speaking countries, which can lead to varied pronunciations.

Adobe Inc. was named after Adobe Creek in Los Altos, California, highlighting the company’s connection to its roots in the Silicon Valley area.

Understanding the pronunciation and etymology of “Adobe” adds depth to its significance in both language and location.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the correct pronunciations of brand names like “Adobe” and “Nike” can vary depending on where you’re from.

While Americans generally get them right, people from around the world might stumble over the pronunciations.

However, before any American starts feeling too smug, it’s worth noting that there are other brand names, like “Hyundai” or “IKEA,” that might trip you up.

It’s a reminder that language and pronunciation can be influenced by cultural and regional differences, adding richness and diversity to our interactions with brands and each other