How to pronounce hongi
Say it like HONG-ee. Hongi has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HONG).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce hongi. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈhɑŋi/HONG-ee
UK British/ˈhɒŋi/HONG-ee
- HONG
- ee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Hongi pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- HONGSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- eeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of hongi
- The short o is rounded in British English (as in "hot"), but open and unrounded in American English.
British respelling: HONG-ee.
What does hongi mean?
noun
- The Maori greeting of touching noses.
- To perform the Maori greeting of touching noses.
Where does hongi come from?
Borrowed from Māori hongi.
Questions about saying hongi
How do you pronounce hongi?
Say HONG-ee. The American pronunciation is /ˈhɑŋi/. In British English it is /ˈhɒŋi/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in hongi?
Hongi has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (HONG). Broken into parts: HONG · ee.
Is hongi 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 /ˈhɒŋi/ (HONG-ee).