Gaining international fame for his unique blend of R&B, hip hop, and pop music, The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has become one of the most celebrated and influential artists of our time. However, many fans often wonder how to properly pronounce his enigmatic last name. In this guide, we will explore the formal and informal ways of saying The Weeknd’s last name, along with various tips, examples, and regional variations where necessary. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
The Formal Pronunciation: Tes-fah-yay
TIP: When pronouncing The Weeknd’s last name formally, remember that it follows Ethiopian pronunciation rules, reflecting his Ethiopian heritage. It is essential to emphasize the “ay” sound at the end of the name.
Examples:
“Have you heard the latest song by Abel Tesfaye?”
“Abel Tesfaye dazzled the crowd with his powerful performance!”
The Informal Pronunciation: TES-fain
TIP: In informal settings, it is common for people to pronounce The Weeknd’s last name more simply as “TES-fain.” This pronunciation still maintains the correct emphasis on the “TES” syllable but omits the explicit enunciation of the “ay” sound.
Examples:
“I can’t wait for the next album by The Weeknd, Abel TES-fain.”
“Abel TES-fain’s music always gets me in the right mood.”
Regional Variations
In some regions, slight variations in pronunciation may occur due to dialects, accents, or language influence. Here are a few examples:
American English Variation: TES-fayne
TIP: In certain American English dialects, the “ain” sound may be elongated, resulting in a pronunciation closer to “TES-fayne.”
Canadian English Variation: TES-fey
TIP: Canadians often drop the final “n” sound, pronouncing The Weeknd’s last name as “TES-fey.”
British English Variation: TES-fai
TIP: British English tends to change the ending “ay” sound to an “ai” sound. Hence, The Weeknd’s last name might be pronounced as “TES-fai” in the UK.
Summary
To summarize, The Weeknd’s last name, Tesfaye, can be pronounced in a formal or informal manner. The formal pronunciation is “Tes-fah-yay,” while the informal pronunciation is “TES-fain.” Regional variations exist, such as the American English variation “TES-fayne,” the Canadian English variation “TES-fey,” and the British English variation “TES-fai.” Remember to embrace the uniqueness of each pronunciation and enjoy discussing the music and talent of Abel Tesfaye!
We hope this guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of how to properly say The Weeknd’s last name. Embrace the warmth and diversity of his music, and share your knowledge confidently with fellow fans. Happy listening!
