The pronunciation of “gyro,” the delicious Greek wrap, often causes confusion. While seemingly simple, this two-syllable word has two widely accepted pronunciations. Understanding both will ensure you can confidently order your next gyro, no matter where you are.
Two Ways to Say Gyro (the Food)
The emphasis in both pronunciations is always on the first syllable. The difference lies in the initial sound.
1. Pronouncing Gyro as “Yee-row”
This is the more common pronunciation, especially in the United States.
- Yee: Starts with a “Y” sound, like in “yes,” followed by a long “E” sound as in “see.”
- Row: Rhymes with “go” or “slow.” The “R” sound is distinct.
Example: “That yee-row looks amazing!”
2. Pronouncing Gyro as “Jee-row” or “Zhee-row”
This pronunciation is closer to the Greek origin of the word.
- Jee/Zhee: Begins with the “ZH” sound found in the word “vision” or the “J” sound in the French word “bonjour.” This blends into the long “E” sound as in “see.” Phonetically, this sound is represented by [ʒi].
- Row: Identical to the second syllable in the “yee-row” pronunciation, rhyming with “go.”
Example: “I’d love a jee-row with extra tzatziki sauce.”
Gyro vs. Gyroscope: A Pronunciation Distinction
It’s important to note that “gyro” can also refer to a gyroscope, a navigational device. This “gyro” has a different pronunciation:
- Jai-row: The first syllable rhymes with “eye” and is followed by the familiar “row” sound. Phonetically represented as [dʒaɪɹoʊ].
Which Gyro Pronunciation is Correct?
Both “yee-row” and “jee-row/zhee-row” are acceptable when referring to the food. The “yee-row” pronunciation has become more prevalent in American English, while the “jee-row/zhee-row” version stays truer to the Greek roots. Ultimately, choose the pronunciation that feels most comfortable for you. The most important thing is to enjoy your delicious gyro!
A person holding a gyro sandwich.
Mastering Other Tricky Food Pronunciations
Many food names, often borrowed from other languages, can be tricky to pronounce. Resources are available online to help you confidently navigate culinary conversations. You can find guides on how to pronounce words like “cuisine” and “Worcestershire sauce.”
