How to pronounce bistro
Say it like BIS-troh. Bistro has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BIS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bistro. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BIS
- troh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bistro pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BISSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- trohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of bistro
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: BEE-stroh.
What does bistro mean?
- A small casual restaurant or pub, typically serving French-style cuisine.
- To eat at a bistro.
Where does bistro come from?
Attested from c. 1920, from the French bistro(t) with the original meaning "proprietor of a tavern" (1880s), of unknown origin, presumably regional French dialect.
Questions about saying bistro
How do you pronounce bistro?
Say BIS-troh. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɪstroʊ/. In British English it is /ˈbiːstrəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bistro?
Bistro has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BIS). Broken into parts: BIS · troh.
Is bistro pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /ˈbiːstrəʊ/ (BEE-stroh).