How Prague Is Pronounced?

By Michael Ferguson

When it comes to pronouncing the name of the beautiful capital city of the Czech Republic, Prague, there seems to be some confusion. Let’s clarify how Prague is pronounced and put an end to this debate once and for all.

How to pronounce Prague:

The correct pronunciation of Prague is Prahg. The ‘a’ in ‘Pra’ is pronounced like the ‘a’ in ‘cat,’ and the ‘g’ at the end is pronounced as a hard ‘g,’ similar to the ‘g’ in ‘game.’

The mispronunciations:

There are a few common mispronunciations of Prague that you might come across. Let’s look at them:

  • Praigg: Some people might mistakenly pronounce the name as Praigg. However, this pronunciation with a long ‘i’ sound at the end is incorrect.
  • Prayg: Another common mispronunciation is Prayg. However, this version with a long ‘a’ sound is also inaccurate.
  • Pra-gyou: Occasionally, you might even hear it pronounced as Pra-gyou, but again, this pronunciation is not correct.

Why do people mispronounce Prague?

The confusion surrounding the pronunciation of Prague can be attributed to various factors. One reason could be that English speakers often apply English language rules when pronouncing foreign words. In some cases, these rules do not align with the actual pronunciation of a word in its native language.

In addition, different accents and dialects can also lead to variations in pronunciation. People from different regions might naturally pronounce certain sounds differently, leading to the mispronunciation of words like Prague.

Why is it important to pronounce Prague correctly?

Pronouncing a place’s name correctly shows respect for its culture and people. It helps foster understanding and appreciation for different languages and traditions. Additionally, pronouncing Prague correctly can enhance your communication skills when interacting with locals during your visit to this incredible city.

In conclusion,

The correct pronunciation of Prague is Prahg. Avoid mispronunciations such as Praigg, Prayg, or Pra-gyou. By pronouncing the name correctly, you demonstrate cultural sensitivity and enhance your overall communication skills.

Now that you know how to properly pronounce Prague, go ahead and confidently share your knowledge with others!