A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Bordeaux
Learn how to pronounce Bordeaux correctly, the famous French city and wine region, with this simple guide for English speakers.
bordeaux
bor-DOH
/bɔːrˈdoʊ/ · bor · deaux
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It also appears in news and travel discussions regarding the city itself. In conversation, keep the stress on the second syllable.
Where the word comes from
The name comes from the Old Occitan 'Bordel', derived from 'bord' (edge or border) and 'eau' (water), referring to the city's location on the Garonne River.
Common ways people get it wrong
- BOR-dohks English speakers often try to pronounce the final 'x' because it is visible, but in French, the 'x' is silent.
- BOR-doo This error stems from misreading the 'eau' ending; remember that 'eau' in French is pronounced like a long 'o'.
Frequently asked
Is the x silent in Bordeaux?
Yes, the x is completely silent. You should end the word with a clear long o sound.
How do you say Bordeaux wine?
It is pronounced bor-DOH. Do not add any extra sounds at the end of the word.
Is Bordeaux a French word?
Yes, it is the name of a major port city in southwestern France. It is also the name of the famous wine produced in that region.
How do you pronounce Bordeaux in France?
In French, Bordeaux is pronounced roughly as 'bor-DOH'. The 'r' is slightly rolled, and the 'eau' at the end sounds like 'oh'.
How do I pronounce Bordeaux like a sommelier?
A sommelier would pronounce Bordeaux with a clear emphasis on the second syllable, 'bor-DOH', ensuring the 'r' is audible and the final vowel is pure 'oh'.
