A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Glasgow
Pronounced GLAZ-goh, this Scottish city's name is often misheard by those unfamiliar with its distinct sound.
glasgow
GLAZ-goh
/ˈɡlæz.ɡoʊ/ · GLAZ · goh
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also common in travel guides and when people talk about visiting the UK.
Where the word comes from
The name likely derives from Old Brythonic *glas cau*, meaning 'green hollow'. It's the name of a major city in Scotland.
Common ways people get it wrong
- GLAS-gow The 's' is voiced like a 'z' sound, and the second syllable rhymes with 'go', not 'cow'.
- GLAS-goh While closer, the first syllable's 'a' sound is typically short like in 'cat', not long like in 'father'.
Frequently asked
Is Glasgow pronounced like 'glass'?
Not quite. The 's' in the first syllable sounds like a 'z', so it's more like 'glaz'. The second syllable rhymes with 'go'.
What's the stress in Glasgow?
The stress falls on the first syllable. So you say GLAZ-goh, emphasizing the first part of the word.
Why do Americans struggle with Glasgow pronunciation?
The 'z' sound for 's' and the 'oh' sound at the end are not typical in many American English place names, leading to common mispronunciations.
How does a Scottish person say Glasgow?
Scottish speakers typically pronounce Glasgow with the stress on the first syllable, sounding like 'GLAH-zgo'. The 'ow' is often a short, clipped sound.
How do Americans pronounce Glasgow?
American pronunciation of Glasgow often emphasizes the first syllable, sounding like 'GLAS-go'. Some may pronounce the 'ow' more distinctly, closer to 'gow'.
What is the pronunciation of Glasgow in English?
In standard English pronunciation, Glasgow is typically pronounced with the stress on the first syllable, sounding like 'GLAH-zgo'. The 'ow' sound is usually short.
How to pronounce Glasgow accent?
The Glasgow accent is characterized by a distinct pronunciation of vowels and a specific rhythm. It's often described as having a strong, sometimes rapid, delivery.
