A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Louvre
Pronounced 'LOO-vruh,' this iconic Paris museum's name comes from an old French word for 'wolf den.'.
louvre
LOO-vruh
/ˈluːv.rə/ · loo · vruh
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's often mentioned in news reports about cultural events or significant artworks housed there.
Where the word comes from
The word 'Louvre' likely comes from Old French 'l'uhvre' or 'le uvrer,' meaning 'the work' or 'the workshop.' It's also suggested it might derive from a word for 'wolf den,' referring to the area's past. This eventually became the name of the palace and then the museum.
Common ways people get it wrong
- LOO-ver The final 'e' is a schwa sound (like the 'a' in 'sofa'), not a distinct 'er' sound. Keep the ending soft and unstressed.
- LOO-vray This pronunciation is common in French, but English speakers typically drop the final vowel sound, making it 'LOO-vruh'.
Frequently asked
How do you pronounce the Louvre museum?
The most common English pronunciation is 'LOO-vruh.' The stress is on the first syllable, and the second syllable is a soft, unstressed sound.
Is it pronounced LOO-ver or LOO-vruh?
It's generally pronounced 'LOO-vruh' in English. The final 'e' is not a hard 'er' sound like in 'lover,' but a softer schwa sound.
What's the French pronunciation of Louvre?
In French, it's closer to 'LOO-vruh' with a very soft, almost silent 'vruh' sound at the end. English speakers often add a slight 'uh' sound to make it easier.
How do French people say the Louvre museum?
In French, the Louvre is pronounced roughly as 'LOOV-ruh'. The 'v' sound is pronounced, and the final 're' is a soft, almost silent sound.
Why do Americans say Louv instead of Louvre?
Many Americans simplify the French pronunciation, often dropping the final 're' sound. This leads to a pronunciation closer to 'LOOV'.
How do British people say Louvre?
British pronunciation of the Louvre is often closer to the French, with a slight emphasis on the 'v' and a soft 'uh' sound at the end, similar to 'LOOV-ruh'.
Is it Louvre or the Louvre?
In English, it is common to refer to it as 'the Louvre'. In French, it is typically just 'le Louvre'.
