NAY-roo
/ˈneɪˌɹu/
nehru is pronounced NAY-roo (/ˈneɪˌɹu/). Nehru is a proper noun most often referring to Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. In pronunciation, it is typically treated as a two-syllable name with emphasis on the first syllable. The word itself functions as a name rather than a common noun, and standard usage treats it as a title-like identifier in reference to the individual or lineage associated with him.
Nehru is a proper noun most often referring to Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. In pronunciation, it is typically treated as a two-syllable name with emphasis on the first syllable. The word itself functions as a name rather than a common noun, and standard usage treats it as a title-like identifier in reference to the individual or lineage associated with him.
"Nehru spoke at length about secularism and progress during the early years of India's independence."
"The Nehru jacket became a recognizable symbol of Indian political and cultural identity."
"Scholars often analyze Nehru's speeches for their rhetorical cadence and rhythm."
Typically pronounced as two syllables with stress on the first: neh-ru, phonetically IPA US: /ˈneɪ.huˌruː/ or /ˈneɪ.hu/ɹuː in fast speech; UK: /ˈneɪ.huː.ruː/. Start with a clear 'neh' where the vowel is a long 'a' as in 'cake' in US English, then a short, rounded 'ru' as in 'ru' in 'rule' but elongated in final syllable. The second syllable is often a reduced or shorter vowel depending on the speaker, but the 'ru' remains a distinct syllable.
Common errors include merging the second syllable too quickly into the first (neh-ru becomes ne-ru) and misplacing the Vowel quality by escaping the long 'ne' or shortening the final 'ru'. To correct, clearly separate /ˈneɪ/ and /huː/ or /ruː/ with a slight pause, ensure the second syllable has a full vowel and not a schwa, and maintain the initial stress on the first syllable. Practicing with a slow, deliberate cadence helps.
In US English, expect /ˈneɪ.huˌruː/ with a rhotic final vowel; the first syllable has a long vowel like 'day'. UK English typically presents /ˈneɪ.huː.ruː/ with less rhotic/dropping of postvocalic r and a longer second vowel; Australian English tends to align with UK for non-rhotic tendencies, often /ˈneɪ.hjuːˈruː/ with a potentially clearer y-sound after the first syllable. The essential features are two clear syllables and distinct vowels, with minor vowel length variations.
Difficulties stem from two factors: correct syllable boundary and precise vowel quality. The first syllable uses a diphthong or long vowel that shifts subtly between accents, and the second syllable requires a stable, rounded vowel that isn’t reduced. Additionally, the post-consonantal rounding in some accents can blur the second vowel. Focus on articulating each syllable distinctly and maintaining a stable, non-schwa vowel in the second syllable.
A distinctive feature is keeping the two-syllable integrity of the name while not over-articulating the /ɹ/ or /ruː/ in some accents. For learners, the key is to stabilize the second vowel so it doesn’t reduce to a schwa in rapid speech, and to maintain an initial clear 'neh' with a prolonged first vowel in many dialects. Regular practice with minimal pairs helps confirm accurate segmentation.
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US: emphasis on first syllable; /ˈneɪ.huˌruː/ with rhotic final. UK: /ˈneɪ.huː.ruː/; longer second syllable, less rhotic emphasis in rapid speech. AU: /ˈneɪ.hjuːˈruː/; blends the 'hyoo' glide after the first syllable, with a rounded second vowel. Observe slight differences in vowel quality and rhoticity; keep the first syllable strong and the second clearly enunciated. Use IPA as a reference when practicing.
Nehru is a proper noun derived from an Indian surname of Kashmiri origin. The name Nehru became internationally prominent through Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964), a central figure in Indian politics who helped lead the country to independence and served as its first Prime Minister. The surname itself is associated with the lineage of the Nehru-Gandhi political family. Historically, the name entered English discourse via colonial and postcolonial discussions, with usage expanding to denote the family’s political influence and the era of early Indian statecraft. The word’s first known uses in English appeared in political and biographical texts from the early to mid-20th century, with frequent references in biographies, histories, and journalism about India's independence movement. Over time, Nehru has also become emblematic of a specific style of reformist, secular, internationalist rhetoric attributed to Jawaharlal Nehru, and it has appeared in scholarly analysis, film, literature, and political discourse as a proper noun associated with leadership and modernization in India.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "nehru" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "nehru" and show contrast in usage.
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Words that rhyme with "nehru"
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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