The Definitive Guide: How To Pronounce Spokane (And Avoid The Biggest Mistake Locals Hate)

Are you planning a trip to Eastern Washington or just trying to sound like a local? The name of the region's largest city, Spokane, is one of the most famously mispronounced place names in the entire United States, leading to instant recognition of an outsider. As of December 15, 2025, the definitive, non-negotiable, and locally accepted pronunciation is Spo-CAN, with the stress firmly on the second syllable and a short 'a' sound.

This article will not only give you the exact phonetic breakdown but also dive into the rich history of the name, the common mispronunciation that can make a local cringe, and even reveal a fascinating regional difference in how the name is said in other parts of the country. Master this single word, and you'll instantly elevate your regional knowledge and topical authority on Pacific Northwest geography.

The Essential Pronunciation Guide: Spo-CAN vs. Spo-CANE

The confusion surrounding the pronunciation of "Spokane" stems from the English language's tendency to create a long 'a' sound when an 'e' follows an 'a'—think of words like 'cane,' 'plane,' or 'lane.' However, Spokane does not follow this rule, which is why it's so often listed among the most commonly mispronounced American place names.

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The Correct Way to Say Spokane, Washington

The correct pronunciation is simple and follows a distinct two-syllable pattern:

• First Syllable: "Spo" (pronounced like "spoh" or "spuh," similar to the beginning of the word "spoke").
• Second Syllable: "KAN" (pronounced like the word "can," as in a soda can). The stress must be placed on this syllable.

Phonetic Spelling: spoh-KAN or spəʊˈkan (IPA).

To remember it, simply think: "I spo-KAN do it." This is the pronunciation used by nearly all residents of Spokane, Washington, and the surrounding Inland Northwest region.

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The Mispronunciation That Will Mark You as an Outsider

The single most common error is pronouncing the city's name as "Spo-CANE." This mistake uses the long 'a' sound, making it rhyme with 'lane' or 'pain.' While this follows standard English phonetics, it is incorrect for this particular place name. Locals often joke that 'Spo-CANE' is the sign of a tourist or a newcomer.

The Deep History: Why Spokane is Pronounced Spo-CAN

To truly understand the correct pronunciation and gain topical authority on the subject, you must look beyond modern English and delve into the origin of the word. The name "Spokane" is not an English word; it is an anglicized version of a name from the Interior Salish language of the indigenous people who have lived in the region for millennia.

The Spokane Tribe and 'Children of the Sun'

The name comes directly from the Spokane Tribe of Indians, who are the original inhabitants of the region, residing along the Spokane River. The traditional meaning of the word Spokane is most commonly translated as "Children of the Sun" or "Sun People."

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This meaning is believed to have originated from the name of a chief, Illim-Spokanee, who was first encountered by fur traders in the early 19th century. The name, therefore, is a linguistic and historical tribute to the Native American heritage of the area, which is why its pronunciation deviates from typical English conventions. The short 'a' sound in "Spo-CAN" is closer to the original Salish root.

Entity List (Topical Authority):

• Spokane Tribe of Indians
• Interior Salish Language
• Spokane River
• Children of the Sun (Meaning)
• Illim-Spokanee (Chief)
• Inland Northwest
• Spokane County
• Spokane Falls
• Lilac City (Nickname)
• Washington State
• Fur Traders

Regional Differences and Misconceptions: The Missouri Exception

While the pronunciation "Spo-CAN" is universally accepted for the major city in Washington, the article's depth requires acknowledging a fascinating regional exception that further fuels the mispronunciation debate.

The Other Spokane (And Their Spo-CANE)

There is a small, unincorporated community named Spokane, Missouri, located south of Springfield. In a sharp contrast to its Washington counterpart, residents of this Missouri town actually pronounce their city's name as "Spo-CANE." This is a crucial piece of information for anyone discussing the name, as it explains why some people from the Midwest are absolutely certain that "Spo-CANE" is correct—it is, just not for the major Washington city!

Other Commonly Mispronounced Northwest Names

Spokane is not alone in its pronunciation traps. The Pacific Northwest is home to many place names derived from Native American languages, leading to phonetic challenges for visitors. Other frequently mispronounced entities in the region include:

• Puyallup, Washington: Not "Poo-y-all-up," but "Pew-AL-up" (or "Pew-AWL-up").
• Sequim, Washington: Not "See-kwim," but "Skwim."
• Willamette River (Oregon): Not "Will-a-MET," but "Will-AM-it."
• Coeur d'Alene, Idaho: Often mispronounced, but correctly said as "Kore-duh-LANE."

Mastering the Pronunciation: A Final Checklist

To ensure you never make the "Spo-CANE" mistake again, here is a quick, actionable checklist that reinforces the correct stress and sound:

1. Focus on the Stress: The emphasis must be on the second syllable: Spo-KAN.
2. Use the Short 'A': The 'a' sound in the second syllable should be short, as in "cat" or "can," not long, as in "rain" or "pain."
3. Remember the Origin: The name is an adaptation from the Spokane Tribe's language, meaning "Children of the Sun." This etymological root explains why it breaks standard English rules.
4. Confirm the Location: The "Spo-CAN" rule applies to the city in Washington State. If you are ever discussing the small town in Missouri, the pronunciation is locally "Spo-CANE."

By using the correct Spo-KAN pronunciation, you show respect for the region's rich history, the Spokane Tribe, and the linguistic traditions of the Inland Northwest. You'll move beyond being a mere tourist and immediately sound like a knowledgeable expert on this fascinating corner of the United States.

Entity List (LSI/Derivative Keywords):

• Spo-CANE (Mispronunciation)
• Spo-CAN (Correct Pronunciation)
• Spokane, Missouri
• Pacific Northwest
• Eastern Washington
• Phonetic Spelling
• IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet)
• Puyallup, Washington
• Sequim, Washington
• Willamette River
• Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
• Regional Dialect
• Linguistic Adaptation