How to pronounce espresso
Say it like es-PRES-oh. Espresso has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PRES).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce espresso. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- es
- PRES
- oh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Tip: There is no x in it. Say 'es-PRESS-oh', not 'ex-PRESS-oh'.
Espresso pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- esGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- PRESSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- ohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of espresso
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: eh-SPRES-oh.
What does espresso mean?
- A concentrated coffee beverage brewed by forcing hot water under high pressure through finely ground coffee.
- A drink that includes espresso as an ingredient.
Where does espresso come from?
Some sources derive the term from "expressly" ("individually, directly") made for the customer, or from the Italian espresso ("fast"), as in the English word express ("fast"), although these explanations are not widely accepted.
Questions about saying espresso
How do you pronounce espresso?
Say es-PRES-oh. The American pronunciation is /ˌɛˈsprɛsoʊ/. In British English it is /ɛˈsprɛsəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in espresso?
Espresso has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PRES). Broken into parts: es · PRES · oh.
Is espresso 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 /ɛˈsprɛsəʊ/ (eh-SPRES-oh).