3 Easy Steps to Pronounce DENGUE Correctly in English

Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection, has become a global health concern, affecting millions worldwide. Pronouncing the term “dengue” correctly is essential for accurate communication and understanding. So, let’s delve into the intricacies of pronouncing this word and ensure proper dissemination of information about this prevalent illness.

The word “dengue” originates from the Spanish word “dengue,” which means “breakbone fever.” Pronouncing it correctly involves emphasizing the proper syllables and pronouncing the letters accurately. The first syllable, “den,” is pronounced as in the word “den,” while the second syllable, “-gue,” is pronounced as in the word “rogue.” Combining these sounds, we get the correct pronunciation of “dengue” as “DEN-gee.”

Mispronouncing “dengue” can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Incorrect pronunciations, such as “DEN-goo” or “DING-gee,” are often encountered, but they can hinder clear understanding of the disease. Proper pronunciation is particularly crucial in medical settings, research, and public health campaigns. It ensures accurate communication among healthcare providers, researchers, and the general public, facilitating effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dengue fever.

Pronouncing Each Syllable Separately

To pronounce “dengue” correctly, it’s helpful to break it down into its individual syllables:

1. First Syllable: “Den”

The first syllable, “den,” is pronounced with a short “e” sound, as in the words “met” or “bed.” The “n” is pronounced similarly to the “n” in “night.” Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Position your mouth in a relaxed, open position.
Lightly touch your lower teeth with your upper lip.
Expel a short burst of air through your mouth, creating the “e” sound.
Follow the “e” sound immediately with a brief nasal “n” sound.

The following table provides some examples of words with the same “den” sound:

Word	IPA Transcription
Den	/dɛn/
Met	/mɛt/
Bed	/bɛd/

Using a Long or Short Vowel Sound

The pronunciation of the word ‘dengue’ can vary depending on whether you use a long or short vowel sound for the second syllable. Here’s a breakdown:

Long Vowel Sound (Deen-gee)

In this pronunciation, the second syllable ‘gue’ has a long vowel sound, similar to the ‘e’ in ‘scene’ or ‘bee.’ The word is pronounced as “deen-gee.” This pronunciation is commonly used in formal settings and is often preferred by medical professionals.

Short Vowel Sound (Den-guh)

Alternatively, the second syllable ‘gue’ can have a short vowel sound, similar to the ‘u’ in ‘run’ or ‘sun.’ In this case, the word is pronounced as “den-guh.” This pronunciation is more informal and is often used in everyday speech.

Regional Variations

The pronunciation of ‘dengue’ can also vary across different regions. In some areas, the second syllable may be pronounced with a diphthong, which is a combination of two vowel sounds. For example, in some parts of the United States, the word is pronounced as “den-goo-ee.”

Pronunciation	Example
Long vowel sound	“Deen-gee”
Short vowel sound	“Den-guh”
Diphthong	“Den-goo-ee”

Accenting the Right Letter

Listen to the native speaker pronounce the name in the video below. Note where the stress is placed, or which syllable is pronounced louder.

The correct pronunciation of Dengue is with the stress on the first syllable.

Pronunciation Guide

Correct Pronunciation	Incorrect Pronunciation
DEN-gyoo	DEN-gay
DEN-gyou	DEN-guh
DEN-gyeh	DEN-gyoo-ee

Make sure to pronounce the “e” at the end of the word as a **short “e” sound**, rather than a long “e” sound.

Here are some tips to help you remember the correct pronunciation:

Think of the word "den" as in "a place where animals live."
Add the suffix "-gue" to "den" to form "dengue."
The stress should fall on the first syllable, so pronounce it as "DEN-gyoo."
Practice saying the word out loud until you feel comfortable with the pronunciation.

Considering Regional Variations

The pronunciation of “dengue” can vary depending on the region. Here are some common variations:

Region	Pronunciation
United States	DEN-gee
United Kingdom	DEN-gyoo
Australia	DEN-gay
New Zealand	DEN-gah

The pronunciation “DEN-gee” is the most common in the United States and is also used in many other parts of the world. However, the other pronunciations are also acceptable and may be more common in certain regions.

It is important to note that there is no “correct” way to pronounce “dengue.” The most important thing is to be consistent in your pronunciation and to use the pronunciation that is most common in your region.

Practicing Regularly

Repetition is key when it comes to mastering any pronunciation. Set aside dedicated time each day to practice saying “dengue.” You can use a mirror to check your mouth shape and make sure you’re pronouncing the sounds correctly. Practice speaking the word aloud in different scenarios, such as ordering food or asking for directions. The more you practice, the more confident and fluent you will become in pronouncing “dengue.”

Here are some specific ways to practice regularly:

Set a timer for 5-10 minutes each day and practice saying “dengue” repeatedly.
Find a partner or group to practice with. This can help you get feedback and correct any pronunciation errors.
Use online resources like YouTube videos or pronunciation apps to hear native speakers pronouncing “dengue.”
Listen to music or podcasts that feature the word “dengue.” This can help you get used to the natural rhythm and intonation of the language.
Read aloud from a text that includes the word “dengue.” This will help you see how the word is used in context.
Record yourself saying “dengue” and play it back to listen for any errors.
Don’t be afraid to ask native speakers for help if you’re struggling with the pronunciation. They can provide valuable feedback and guidance.

By practicing regularly, you will gradually improve your pronunciation of “dengue” and become more confident in speaking the language.

How To Pronounce D E N G U E

The correct pronunciation of “dengue” is “DEN-gee”, with the stress on the first syllable. The “e” at the end of the word is pronounced like the “e” in “the”. The “n” is pronounced like the “n” in “no”. The “g” is pronounced like the “g” in “go”.

Here is a step-by-step guide to pronouncing “dengue”:

Say “DEN” like the first syllable in the word “den”.
Say “gee” like the word “gee”.
Combine the two syllables to say “DEN-gee”.

Remember to stress the first syllable when you say “dengue”.