How to pronounce bonhomie
Say it like BON-uh-mee. Bonhomie has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BON).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bonhomie. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BON
- uh
- mee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bonhomie pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BONSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- meeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of bonhomie
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: BON-uh-mee.
What does bonhomie mean?
- A friendly, good-natured, pleasant manner; an affable and approachable disposition; friendliness.
- An atmosphere of friendliness and good cheer.
- A cheerful remark.
Where does bonhomie come from?
Borrowed from French bonhomie, bonhommie (“good-heartedness; extreme credulity”), from bonhomme (“chap, fellow; courageous man; peasant; unwise man who allows himself to be deceived and dominated”) (from bon (“good”) + homme (“man”)) + -ie
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with bonhomie
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of bonhomie.
Questions about saying bonhomie
How do you pronounce bonhomie?
Say BON-uh-mee. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɑnəmi/. In British English it is /ˈbɒnəmiː/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bonhomie?
Bonhomie has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BON). Broken into parts: BON · uh · mee.
Is bonhomie pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English. The British form is /ˈbɒnəmiː/ (BON-uh-mee).