A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Lyon
Pronounce the French city Lyon like 'lee-OHN', with stress on the second syllable.
lyon
lee-OHN
/liˈoʊn/ · lee · ON
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's a major city known for its food and history.
Where the word comes from
The city's name comes from the Roman Lugdunum, meaning 'Fortress of Lugus', named after a Celtic god.
Common ways people get it wrong
- LIE-on This common mistake comes from the English word 'lion'. Remember the 'y' sound is like 'ee'.
- lee-ONN Avoid a hard 'n' sound at the end; it's a softer, more open vowel sound in French.
Frequently asked
Is it pronounced like the animal?
No, it's not pronounced like 'lion'. The 'y' in Lyon makes an 'ee' sound, and the stress is on the second syllable.
How do Americans usually say Lyon?
Most Americans pronounce it 'lee-OHN', with the stress on the second syllable. Some might try to anglicize it closer to 'LIE-on', but 'lee-OHN' is more common and closer to the French.
What's the French pronunciation?
The French pronunciation is closer to 'lee-OHN', with a slightly more nasal 'n' sound at the end than English speakers typically produce.
How do you say Lyon city?
In French, Lyon is pronounced roughly as 'lee-ON', with the emphasis on the second syllable. The 'y' sound is similar to the 'u' in 'flute'.
What does Lyon mean in French?
The name Lyon likely derives from the Roman name 'Lugdunum', which means 'fortress of Lug'. Lug was a Celtic god.
Pronunciation of Lyon in French
The French pronunciation of Lyon is 'lee-ON'. The 'y' is pronounced like the 'u' in 'lute' and the 'on' is a nasal sound.
Pronunciation of Lyon in English
In English, Lyon is often pronounced as 'LIE-un', similar to the English name 'Lyons'. However, the French pronunciation 'lee-ON' is also common.
