How to pronounce Persian
Say it like PUR-zhun. Persian has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Persian. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PUR
- zhun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Persian pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- zhunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Persian
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PUR-zhun.
What does Persian mean?
- a native or inhabitant of Iran“the majority of Irani are Persian Shiite Muslims”
- the language of Persia (Iran) in any of its ancient forms
- of or relating to Iran or its people or language or culture“Iranian mountains”“Iranian security police”
Words that rhyme with Persian
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of Persian.
Questions about saying Persian
How do you pronounce Persian?
Say PUR-zhun. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɝʒən/. In British English it is /ˈpɜːʒən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Persian?
Persian has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PUR). Broken into parts: PUR · zhun.
Is Persian 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 /ˈpɜːʒən/ (PUR-zhun).