2 syllables: Bru, nei. Stress on nei.
broo-NEYE
/bɹuˈnaɪ/
Brunei is pronounced broo-NEYE (/bɹuˈnaɪ/). It has two syllables (Bru-nei), with the stress on "nei". Brunei is a small, oil-rich country on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. As a proper noun, it refers to the nation led by a sultan, with ceremonial and administrative roles combining monarchy and state governance. The term is used in geopolitical contexts as well as in travel, history, and news discussions.
nounBrunei is a small, oil-rich country on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. As a proper noun, it refers to the nation led by a sultan, with ceremonial and administrative roles combining monarchy and state governance. The term is used in geopolitical contexts as well as in travel, history, and news discussions.
How to Pronounce Brunei
"I listened to a briefing about Brunei's oil reserves."
"Brunei announced new tourism initiatives at the conference."
"The Brunei capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, showcases its rich culture."
Pronounce it as /bruːˈnaɪ/ in US/UK English. Stress is on the second syllable: bru-NEI. Start with a smooth /br/ cluster, then /uː/ as a long, back high vowel, followed by /ˈnaɪ/ with a clear diphthong in the final syllable. You can think of the ending as the word 'nine' without the 'n-e' blend, so the mouth closes toward a palatal diphthong. Audio reference: listen to native pronunciation on Pronounce or Forvo to hear the natural vowel length and stress placement.
Two frequent errors are misplacing the stress (giving it to the first syllable brū-NEI) and shortening the final diphthong /naɪ/ to a simple /na/ or /nʌɪ/. Correct by practicing the full two-syllable rhythm with /bruːˈnaɪ/, ensuring the /ˈnaɪ/ is a distinct, moving diphthong rather than a clipped vowel. Keep your jaw relaxed for /uː/ and avoid tensing the lips at the /ː/ length. Listen to native models and imitate the rhythm closely.
In US English, Brunei is /bruːˈnaɪ/ with a rhotic /r/ and a rounded /uː/. UK English tends to have similar /bruːˈnaɪ/ but with a marginally less prominent /r/ and a slightly tighter jaw on /uː/. Australian English typically preserves the same /bruːˈnaɪ/ but can sound more centralized and faster, with a slightly shorter /uː/ and quicker transition into /ˈnaɪ/. The main difference is rhoticity and vowel coloration rather than core syllable structure.
The challenge lies in the two-syllable rhythm and the final diphthong /naɪ/. Many learners misplace the stress on the first syllable or reduce /naɪ/ to /nɪ/ or /na/. Additionally, the initial /br/ cluster with a long /uː/ can be mispronounced as /brə/ or /brʌ/ if the tongue tension isn’t balanced. Focus on a clean /bruː/ leading into a bright /ˈnaɪ/. Listening to native speakers will help you capture the exact timing and mouth posture.
Notice the secondary natural emphasis patterns in longer phrases: in e.g., 'Brunei Darussalam' the primary stress remains on Brunei’s second syllable while Darussalam carries its own word stress. Pay attention to linking and slight vowel reduction in fluent speech; native speakers may barely fully articulate the /uː/ in fast speech, smoothing into /bruːˈnaɪ dærʊsˈsalaːm/ depending on tempo. Include the two-syllable nucleus /ˈnaɪ/ clearly when isolated.
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Brunei derives from the Malay word Brunei, likely linked to the Brunei River around which the early Malay kingdoms developed. The name appears in historical sources as Brunei and Pulau Brunei in the region’s maritime trade routes. The term evolved from local Malay usage to a formal designation of the Sultanate established in the 15th century, with the modern constitutional framework arising in the 20th century under British protection and eventual independence negotiations in 1984. Early references describe a prosperous sultanate centered on Islamic governance and thriving trade networks; over time, Brunei’s name came to denote the unified political entity that today comprises the nation and its monarchy, with the royal family remaining central to identity and governance.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Brunei" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Brunei" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "Brunei"
-iny sounds
-ine sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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