How to pronounce bonsai
Say it like BAHN-sy. Bonsai has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAHN).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce bonsai. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈbɑnsaɪ/BAHN-sy
UK British/ˈbɒnsaɪ/BON-sy
- BAHN
- sy
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Bonsai pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BAHNSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- syKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of bonsai
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: BON-sy.
What does bonsai mean?
noun
- A tree or plant that has been miniaturized by planting it in a small pot, restricting its roots, and by careful pruning.
- The art of planting and growing trees or plants in such a manner.
- To make into a bonsai by restricting the roots and pruning.
Questions about saying bonsai
How do you pronounce bonsai?
Say BAHN-sy. The American pronunciation is /ˈbɑnsaɪ/. In British English it is /ˈbɒnsaɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in bonsai?
Bonsai has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BAHN). Broken into parts: BAHN · sy.
Is bonsai 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 /ˈbɒnsaɪ/ (BON-sy).