How to pronounce parfait
Say it like PAR-fay. Parfait has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce parfait. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PAR
- fay
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Parfait pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PARSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
- fayKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of parfait
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PAH-fay.
What does parfait mean?
- A French parfait (parfait glacé), an iced dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, cream, and flavoring (usually fruit), sometimes with the addition of a liqueur.
- An American parfait, a layered dessert often consisting of fruit, ice cream, pastries, whipped topping, etc. and served in a glass, often a parfait glass.
- A smooth pâté, usually made from liver and flavored with liqueurs.
Where does parfait come from?
Unadapted borrowing from French parfait (“perfect”).
Questions about saying parfait
How do you pronounce parfait?
Say PAR-fay. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɑrfeɪ/. In British English it is /ˈpɑːfeɪ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in parfait?
Parfait has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAR). Broken into parts: PAR · fay.
Is parfait 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 /ˈpɑːfeɪ/ (PAH-fay).