The Correct Pronunciation

The word "amiibo" is pronounced:

uh · mee · bow

Break it down into three syllables: "ah-MEE-bo". The emphasis is on the middle syllable "MEE".

Origin of the Name

The name "amiibo" is a blend of two concepts:

  • Ami: The Japanese word for "friend" (友, pronounced "tomo" but using the French "ami" for international appeal)
  • Aibo: A reference to Sony's robotic companion dog, suggesting a friendly, interactive companion

Common Mispronunciations

Many people initially mispronounce amiibo as:

  • "uh-MEE-boh" (too harsh on the last syllable)
  • "AM-ee-boh" (emphasis on wrong syllable)
  • "ah-mee-BOH" (emphasis on last syllable instead of middle)

Why It Matters

While there's no wrong way to enjoy your collection, knowing the correct pronunciation can help when:

  • Discussing amiibo with other collectors
  • Shopping at game stores
  • Watching Nintendo Direct presentations
  • Participating in online communities

Now you can confidently say "amiibo" like a true collector!