How to pronounce Parmesan
Say it like PAR-muh-zahn. Parmesan has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAR).
VoiceSpeed
US American/ˈpɑrməˌzɑn/PAR-muh-zahn
UK British/ˈpɑːmɪˌzæn/PAH-mih-zan
- PAR
- muh
- zahn
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Parmesan 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.
- muhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- zahnGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ah" in father.
American vs British pronunciation of Parmesan
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PAH-mih-zan.
What does Parmesan mean?
noun
- A hard, full-fat Italian cheese from Parma or its neighboring province Reggio Emilia.
- A similar cheese produced elsewhere.“Most of the parmesan in our grocery store comes from Wisconsin.”
- Money.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
- reggiano
- Cheddar
Questions about saying Parmesan
How do you pronounce Parmesan?
Say PAR-muh-zahn. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɑrməˌzɑn/. In British English it is /ˈpɑːmɪˌzæn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Parmesan?
Parmesan has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PAR). Broken into parts: PAR · muh · zahn.
Is Parmesan 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 /ˈpɑːmɪˌzæn/ (PAH-mih-zan).