2 syllables: Ni, ke. Stress on Ni.
NEYE-kee
/ˈnaɪki/
Nike is pronounced NEYE-kee (/ˈnaɪki/). It has two syllables (Ni-ke), with the stress on "Ni". Nike is a multinational athletic brand name used as a noun to refer to the company and its products. In brand contexts, it’s pronounced as a single-syllable word, often treated as a proper noun. Outside branding, it may appear in discussions of sports marketing or corporate sponsorships, but the pronunciation remains consistent across contexts.
nounNike is a multinational athletic brand name used as a noun to refer to the company and its products. In brand contexts, it’s pronounced as a single-syllable word, often treated as a proper noun. Outside branding, it may appear in discussions of sports marketing or corporate sponsorships, but the pronunciation remains consistent across contexts.
"I just bought a pair of Nike running shoes."
"Nike sponsored the marathon with a big prize for the winners."
"During the press conference, Nike announced a new sustainability initiative."
The brand name is pronounced as /ˈnaɪk/ in all major varieties of English. It’s a monosyllable with primary stress on the first syllable. Begin with an open-front vowel that glides into the diphthong /aɪ/, ending with a voiceless /k/. Think “nye-k” but said as one quick syllable. Listen for brand-vs-common-word distinction; the word ‘night’ sounds similar but the first sound is slightly more tense in Nike. Audio references: you can compare with native pronunciations on Pronounce or Forvo to confirm the /ˈnaɪk/ shape.
Common errors include turning Nike into two syllables (ni-ke) or diffusing the diphthong into a mid vowel like /e/ or /i/. Another frequent mistake is softening the final /k/ into a fricative or releasing it too late (almost like 'nighk' with a hiss). Correction tips: keep it a single syllable; release the /k/ clearly without extra vowel; ensure the vowel quality remains neutral to high-front, landing on /aɪ/ as in 'my'. Practice with minimal pairs like Nike vs night to train syllable count and final stop release.
In US, UK, and AU accents, Nike is /ˈnaɪk/ with very similar vowel quality; the main difference is rhoticity and consonant release. UK and AU accents typically have non-rhotic tendencies, but Nike’s final /k/ remains a hard stop in all accents. Vowel duration and intonation patterns may vary: US speakers might have a slightly longer /aɪ/ before /k/. In formal broadcast, you’ll hear crisp /ˈnaɪk/ in all regions, but connected speech in casual UK and AU may blur adjacent sounds slightly.
Nike challenges speakers because it’s a rare one-syllable brand name with a high front diphthong /aɪ/ followed by a hard /k/. The transition from vowel to voiceless stop requires precise timing; many learners insert an extra vowel or soften the /k/. The capitalized brand context adds psychological emphasis, making the pronunciation feel more dynamic. Focus on a clean glide from /aɪ/ directly into /k/ with no vowel in between.
A Nike-specific nuance is maintaining the crisp, single-syllable delivery even in rapid speech or sentences like 'Nike is releasing...' The stress remains on the first syllable, not the second; ensure the mouth position moves quickly from the /aɪ/ tongue height to a hard /k/. Visualize a short, tight mouth shape at the /k/ release. Avoid adding a schwa after the vowel, which would create two syllables.
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Nike originated as a company named after the Greek goddess Nike, who personified victory. The brand was founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman, initially selling running shoes from the trunks of their cars. In 1971, the company adopted the name Nike, inspired by the ancient Greek goddess of victory, and introduced the now-iconic winged-logo designed by Carolyn Davidson. The first Nike-branded footwear hit markets in the early 1970s, and the brand rapidly expanded into apparel and equipment. The pronunciation, /ˈnaɪk/ in English, aligns with the brand’s international branding strategy, ensuring consistent recognition across languages. Over decades, Nike has maintained a succinct, one-syllable branding rhythm that matches its global marketing approach—short, sharp, and instantly identifiable. First known use as a brand name occurred in the 1960s as the store’s trade name, evolving into a multinational corporation recognized worldwide for performance footwear and athletic wear.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "Nike" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "Nike" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "Nike" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "Nike"
-ike sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
