The word “gyro” – it’s on menus everywhere, and it’s absolutely delicious. But when it comes to saying it out loud, things can get a little tangled. Is it “jee-row,” “yee-row,” or something else entirely? If you’ve ever paused before ordering, unsure of how to pronounce “gyro,” you’re definitely not alone. Let’s break down the pronunciations of this popular Greek dish and set the record straight.
Two Main Ways to Say “Gyro” (The Food)
When we’re talking about that mouthwatering Mediterranean food, “gyro,” there are generally two accepted pronunciations in English. Both are correct, so feel confident choosing the one that rolls off your tongue most easily. The word “gyro” is broken down into two syllables, and remember, the emphasis is always on that first syllable.
1. The “Jee-Row” (or “Zhee-Row”) Pronunciation
IPA: [ʒiɹoʊ] or [ˈʒi.roʊ]
-
jee or zhee [ʒi] or [ʒi]: This first part starts with the ZH sound [ʒ]. Think of the sound in words like “measure” or “vision.” It’s a soft, buzzing sound. Then, it flows into a long “ee” sound, similar to the “ee” in “see” or “tree.”
-
row [ɹoʊ]: The second syllable starts with the typical R sound [ɹ] in English. It then moves into the “OW” diphthong [oʊ], like in “go,” “no,” or “show.”
Example sentence: “I’m in the mood for a jee-row with all the fixings.”
2. The “Yee-Row” Pronunciation
IPA: [jiɹoʊ] or [‘ji.roʊ]
-
yee [ji]: Here, the first syllable begins with a Y sound [j] as in “yes,” “yellow,” or “you.” This is immediately followed by that same long “ee” sound we talked about before.
-
row [ɹoʊ]: Just like in the “jee-row” version, the second syllable is pronounced “row”, with the R sound and the “OW” diphthong.
Example sentence: “Could I please get a yee-row to go?”
“Gyro” as in “Gyroscope” – A Different Sound
It’s worth noting that “gyro” is also short for “gyroscope.” A gyroscope is a device used for maintaining balance, especially in things like airplanes and ships. When you’re talking about this type of “gyro,” the pronunciation shifts. It’s pronounced “djai-row.”
IPA: [ˈdʒaɪ.roʊ] or [dʒaɪɹoʊ]
In this case, the first syllable, “djai,” sounds like the word “die.”
So, context is key! If you’re at a restaurant, you’re almost certainly talking about the food “gyro,” and “jee-row” or “yee-row” are your go-to pronunciations.
Learning pronunciations for food names, especially those from different languages, can be fun and expand your culinary vocabulary! You might also be interested in how to pronounce words like cuisine or even tricky names like Worcestershire Sauce.
Now it’s your turn: Which pronunciation do you usually use for “gyro” (the food)? Are you team “jee-row” or team “yee-row”? Let us know in the comments!
