A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Lyon France
Pronounce the French city Lyon like 'lee-OHN' to sound, not a tourist.
lyon france
lee-OHN
/liˈoʊn/ · lee · OHN
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It also comes up in news related to French politics or business.
Where the word comes from
The city of Lyon is named after the ancient Roman colony of Lugdunum, which likely derives from the Gaulish god Lugus and the Celtic word 'dunum' meaning 'fortress' or 'hill'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- LIE-on Many English speakers see 'Ly' and think of the word 'lion'. The 'y' here is pronounced like a long 'e'.
- LEE-on This is close, but the second syllable needs to be stressed and have a longer 'o' sound, like 'OHN'.
Frequently asked
How do Americans usually say Lyon?
Most Americans will try to approximate the French sound, often landing on 'lee-OHN'. Some might still say 'LIE-on' due to the spelling.
Is it pronounced like the cat?
No, it's not pronounced like 'lion'. The 'y' in Lyon sounds like a long 'e', and the stress is on the second syllable.
What's the French pronunciation?
The French pronunciation is roughly 'lee-OHN', with a nasal 'n' sound at the end that's often softened or dropped by English speakers.
How do French people say Lyon?
French speakers pronounce Lyon with a soft 'g' sound, similar to the 's' in 'measure'. The 'y' sound is like the 'u' in 'flute'.
Is Lyon pronounced Lion or Leon?
Lyon is not pronounced like the English word 'lion'. It is also not pronounced like 'Leon'. The French pronunciation is closer to 'lee-on'.
What does Lyon mean in French?
The name Lyon is believed to derive from the Celtic word 'Lugdunum', meaning 'fortress of Lug', referring to a Celtic god. It does not have a direct translation in modern French.
Pronunciation of Lyon France in English
In English, Lyon is often pronounced 'LEE-on', with the stress on the first syllable. However, the French pronunciation is preferred for accuracy.
