Are you mispronouncing these words?

English is a rich and diverse language, but its quirks can often trip up even the most fluent speakers.

One of the most common challenges is pronunciation. English words, with their silent letters, borrowed spellings, and exceptions to rules, can leave anyone second-guessing. Here are some commonly mispronounced English words and tips to get them right.

1. Mischievous

This word, meaning playful or naughty, is often mispronounced as "mis-chee-vee-us." The correct pronunciation is "MIS-chuh-vus," with only three syllables.

2. Espresso

If you’ve been saying "ex-presso," you’re not alone. The correct pronunciation is "es-PRES-oh." There’s no "x" in the word!

3. Niche

Depending on where you are, this word can vary. In British English, it’s pronounced "neesh," while Americans often say "nitch." Both are accepted, but "neesh" is more common globally.

4. February

Many skip the first "r," saying "Feb-yoo-ary." The proper pronunciation includes it: "Feb-roo-ary."

5. Quinoa

This superfood is not "kwin-o-ah." It’s pronounced "KEEN-wah."

6. Salmon

The "l" in salmon is silent, making it "SAM-un," not "SAL-mon."

7. Forte

Meaning a strength or skill, this word is pronounced "fort," not "for-tay" (unless referring to the musical term).

8. Hyperbole

Often pronounced "hyper-bowl," the correct way is "hy-PER-boh-lee."

9. Genre

This word, borrowed from French, is often pronounced as "gen-er." The correct pronunciation is "zhahn-ruh," with a soft "zh" sound at the start.

10. Coupon

Many people say "kyoo-pon," but the correct pronunciation is "koo-pon," with a soft "oo" sound.

11. Pronunciation

Ironically, this word is often mispronounced as "pro-noun-ciation." The correct pronunciation is "pro-nun-ciation" (note the absence of "noun").

12. Comfortable

Often mispronounced as "com-for-ta-bul," the correct way is "COMF-tuh-bul," where the middle syllables are softened and blended.

13. Bouquet

The word for a bunch of flowers is not "bow-ket" but "boo-KAY," reflecting its French origin.

14. Regime

Sometimes pronounced as "rezh-ime" or "rej-eem," the correct way is "ray-ZHEEM," with a soft "zh" sound.

Mastering these pronunciations can not only boost your confidence but also show off your linguistic skills. The key to getting them right is listening carefully to native speakers, practising regularly, and not being afraid to ask when in doubt. English may be tricky, but it’s nothing a little effort can’t handle!