"Entrepreneur" is one of the most commonly mispronounced words in English. With its French origins and five syllables, it trips up native and non-native speakers alike. Let's break it down so you can say it with confidence.
The Correct Pronunciation
Here's the word with its IPA transcription:
Broken into syllables: on-truh-pruh-NUR (4 spoken syllables)
Notice that while the word has 5 written syllables (en-tre-pre-neur), we typically pronounce it with only 4 syllables in natural speech.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Let's go through each syllable:
- ON /ɑːn/ - Like the word "on" but with a longer, open "ah" sound
- truh /trə/ - A quick, unstressed syllable with a schwa sound
- pruh /prə/ - Another quick schwa syllable
- NUR /ˈnɜːr/ - The stressed syllable! Sounds like "nur" in "nurse"
Key insight: The stress falls on the LAST syllable. This is crucial for sounding natural.
Common Mispronunciations to Avoid
Mistake #1: Stressing the wrong syllable
❌ EN-tre-pre-neur (stress on first syllable)
✅ on-truh-pruh-NUR (stress on last syllable)
Mistake #2: Pronouncing all 5 syllables distinctly
❌ en-TREH-preh-NUR
✅ on-truh-pruh-NUR (syllables 2 and 3 are reduced)
Mistake #3: Spanish speakers adding an "e" before "n"
❌ eh-on-truh-pruh-NUR
✅ on-truh-pruh-NUR
Mistake #4: Pronouncing it like French
While the word comes from French, the English pronunciation is different. Don't use the French nasal sounds or silent letters.
Why Is This Word So Difficult?
Several factors make "entrepreneur" challenging:
- French origin: The spelling reflects French, not English phonics
- Vowel reduction: The middle syllables use the schwa /ə/, which many learners skip or over-pronounce
- Final stress: Unlike most English words, the stress is at the end
- Consonant cluster: The "ntr" and "pr" combinations require precise tongue placement
Practice with Related Words
Once you master "entrepreneur," practice these related words that follow similar patterns:
Similar Tricky Words from French
Practice these other French-origin words that English speakers commonly mispronounce:
Quick Practice Exercise
Say these sentences out loud, focusing on the stress pattern of "entrepreneur":
- "I want to be an entrepreneur someday."
- "The entrepreneur pitched her idea to investors."
- "Many entrepreneurs start with a simple idea."
- "Being an entrepreneur requires hard work."
Remember: stress the LAST syllable every time!
Key Takeaways
- Pronounce it as 4 syllables: on-truh-pruh-NUR
- Stress the final syllable (-NUR)
- Reduce the middle syllables to quick schwa sounds
- Don't add extra sounds at the beginning (no "eh-" or "en-")
- Practice with related words like "entrepreneurial" and "entrepreneurship"
With practice, "entrepreneur" will roll off your tongue naturally. Start slow, focus on the stress pattern, and you'll master it in no time!