How to pronounce Brussels
Say it like BRUHS-ulz. Brussels has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BRUHS).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Brussels. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- BRUHS
- ulz
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Brussels pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- BRUHSSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "u" in cup.
- ulzKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Brussels
American and British speakers say Brussels in essentially the same way: /ˈbrʌsəlz/ in the US and /ˈbrʌsəlz/ in the UK.
British respelling: BRUHS-ulz.
What does Brussels mean?
- The capital city of Belgium. Official name: City of Brussels.
- A region of Belgium. Official name: Brussels-Capital Region.
- A historical republic of Western Europe; in full, Calvinist Republic of Brussels.
Where does Brussels come from?
The metonymic meaning of Brussels as the European Union stems from the fact that the EU headquarters is based in Brussels.
Questions about saying Brussels
How do you pronounce Brussels?
Say BRUHS-ulz. The American pronunciation is /ˈbrʌsəlz/. In British English it is /ˈbrʌsəlz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Brussels?
Brussels has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (BRUHS). Broken into parts: BRUHS · ulz.
Do Americans and Brits say Brussels the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈbrʌsəlz/ and the British form is /ˈbrʌsəlz/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.