How to pronounce kosher
Say it like KOH-sher. Kosher has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOH).
VoiceSpeed
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce kosher. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
US American/ˈkoʊʃɚ/KOH-sher
UK British/ˈkəʊʃə/KOH-shuh
- KOH
- sher
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Kosher pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KOHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- sherKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of kosher
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: KOH-shuh.
What does kosher mean?
adjective
- Fit for use or consumption, in accordance with Jewish law (especially relating to food).“Only in New York can you find a good, kosher hamburger!”
- Observant of the rules of kashrut (of a person or establishment).“"Are you kosher?" "No, I love to eat scallops."”
- In accordance with standards or usual practice.“Is what I have done kosher with Mr. Smith?”
- In a kosher manner; in accordance with kashrut.
- To kasher; to prepare (for example, meat) in conformity with the requirements of the Jewish law.
Questions about saying kosher
How do you pronounce kosher?
Say KOH-sher. The American pronunciation is /ˈkoʊʃɚ/. In British English it is /ˈkəʊʃə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in kosher?
Kosher has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KOH). Broken into parts: KOH · sher.
Is kosher pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈkəʊʃə/ (KOH-shuh).