How to Pronounce "naive"
The correct pronunciation of "naive" is nai-EEV /naɪˈiːv/. Tap play to hear it, say it into your mic for a free clarity check, and fix the "nave" habit for good.
naive
/naɪˈiːv/Lacking experience or judgement; innocently simple.
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Record yourself saying “naive” and get a real, AI-graded pronunciation score with word-by-word feedback — free, no account needed.The Indian-English Mistake: "nave" — and the Fix
| Aspect | Common in India (incorrect) | Correct |
|---|---|---|
| Sounds like | Saying "nave" in one syllable, rhyming with "brave". | nai-EEV /naɪˈiːv/ |
| Stress | Often on the wrong syllable | Second syllable (EEV). |
How Do You Pronounce "naive"?
"naive" is pronounced nai-EEV /naɪˈiːv/. The stress is on the second syllable (EEV). As a adjective, it means lacking experience or judgement; innocently simple.
Two syllables: "nai" (like "nigh") then "EEV" (like "eve"). The vowels are said separately, not blended into "nave".
Note: Often written "naïve"; the two dots mean the vowels are said separately.
Say "naive" Step by Step
Break the word down, get the stress right, then blend it back together at normal speed. Repeat each step out loud three times.
Break it into syllables
nai-EEV — say each part slowly and separately first.
Stress the right part
Second syllable (EEV). Make the stressed syllable a little louder and longer.
Nail the key sound
Two syllables: "nai" (like "nigh") then "EEV" (like "eve"). The vowels are said separately, not blended into "nave".
Blend and repeat
Now say "naive" at normal speed: nai-EEV. Record yourself and compare.
Minimal-Pair Drills for "naive" (2 Minutes, Out Loud)
Say each drill line aloud, slowly first, then at normal speed. On the last drill, use the mic check at the top of this page to test yourself.
say nigh → eve → nai-EEV
Two separate vowels: 'nigh' then 'eve'.
NOT nave — nai-EEV
Never one syllable rhyming with 'brave' — the vowels split.
At speed: naive to trust him so quickly
Stress the second beat: EEV.
Why "naive" Is Tricky — and How to Fix It
Why this happens
The "ai" together looks like one vowel, so Indian speakers merge it, but in this French word "ai" and "ve" are separate: nai-EEV.
Tip: Say "nigh" then "eve": nai-EEV, with the stress on "EEV".
Hear “naive” in a Sentence
Read each line aloud with the same rhythm. The word to listen for is in bold.
It was naive to trust him so quickly.
She gave a rather naive answer.
Do not be naive about the risks.
Words Related to "naive"
Now say it inside a sentence
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Frequently Asked Questions
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