The Māori word koru is pronounced cleanly with two distinct syllables as "KOH-roo." The emphasis rests primarily on the first syllable with a short "o" sound, followed by a rolled or soft "r" sound and a trailing "oo" sound similar to the English word "coo." Correct pronunciation respects its indigenous Polynesian linguistic roots, avoiding silent letters or Westernized diphthong modifications commonly misapplied by international speakers.