Pronunciation Guide

Learn the correct French pronunciation of "née" and "né" with our comprehensive guide.

née

Pronunciation

/neɪ/

Sounds like "nay" in English

Usage

Used for women's maiden names

Example

Jane Smith (née Doe)

né

Pronunciation

/neɪ/

Sounds like "nay" in English

Usage

Used for men's maiden names

Example

John Smith (né Doe)

Pronunciation Tips

Common Mistakes

  • • Don't pronounce it as "nee" (like knee)
  • • Avoid the "e" sound at the end
  • • It's a single syllable, not two

Memory Aids

  • • Think of "nay" as in "yea or nay"
  • • Similar to the word "day" but with "n"
  • • Rhymes with "way" and "say"