A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Edinburgh
Stop saying 'bur-oh'. Learn the correct way to pronounce the capital of Scotland, which drops the middle syllables entirely.
edinburgh
ED-in-bruh
/ˈɛd.ɪn.bərə/ · ed · in · bruh
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It is a frequent point of correction for tourists visiting the UK, so mastering the local rhythm helps you blend in.
Where the word comes from
The name derives from the Old English 'Edinburg', meaning 'Edwin's fort', combined with the Old English 'burh' for a fortified place. It reflects the city's history as a defensive stronghold.
Common ways people get it wrong
- ED-in-burg This is the most common mistake for Americans who read the spelling literally; aim to swallow the 'u' and 'r' sounds.
- ED-in-bur-oh People often assume it follows the same pattern as Pittsburgh, but the Scottish pronunciation is much more compressed.
Frequently asked
Is Edinburgh pronounced Edin-burrow?
No, that is a common mispronunciation. The correct way is to keep the final syllable short, sounding more like 'bruh' than 'burrow'.
Why do Americans say Edinburgh wrong?
Americans tend to pronounce words exactly as they are spelled, following the conventions of American English place names. Because Edinburgh is a Scottish name, it follows a different linguistic tradition that favors elision.
How do locals in Scotland say Edinburgh?
Locals typically pronounce it as 'ED-in-bruh' or sometimes even 'ED-in-bra'. The key is to avoid emphasizing the 'burg' suffix.
How do locals pronounce Edinburgh?
Locals typically pronounce Edinburgh with the stress on the first syllable, sounding like ED-in-bur-uh.
Is Edinburgh pronounced Edinburg or Edinbruh?
Neither Edinburg nor Edinbruh is the standard pronunciation. The correct pronunciation is closer to ED-in-bur-uh.
How do you pronounce the capital city of Scotland?
The capital city of Scotland, Edinburgh, is pronounced ED-in-bur-uh, with the emphasis on the first syllable.
Is it Edinburgh or edinborough?
It is pronounced Edinburgh, not edinborough. The final syllable is a soft 'uh' sound, not 'borough'.
