A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Nice
Pronounced 'NEES', like the English word 'niece', this French city is a popular Mediterranean destination.
nice
NEES
/nīs/ · NEES
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also common on menus if a dish is prepared in the style of the region.
Where the word comes from
The city of Nice is named after the Greek goddess of victory, Nike. The name was Latinized as 'Nicaea'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- NICE This sounds like the English adjective. The French pronunciation omits the final 's' sound, but English speakers typically pronounce it.
- NI-see This adds an extra syllable. Stick to a single syllable sound, similar to the English word 'niece'.
Frequently asked
How do Americans pronounce Nice?
Most Americans pronounce it to rhyme with 'niece' or 'ice'. The French pronunciation is closer to 'neese', but the English version is widely accepted.
Is Nice pronounced like the English word 'nice'?
No, that's a common mistake. The city is pronounced 'NEES', rhyming with 'niece'. The English adjective 'nice' is spelled the same but has a different meaning and pronunciation.
What's the French pronunciation of Nice?
The French pronunciation is roughly 'nees', with a very soft, almost silent 's' at the end. However, English speakers typically pronounce the 's' clearly.
How do you pronounce Nice?
The city of Nice is pronounced 'nees' in English. It rhymes with words like 'geese' or 'piece'.
What is the pronunciation of Nice in American English?
In American English, the city of Nice is pronounced 'nees'. The vowel sound is the same as in 'see'.
What is the pronunciation of Nice in British English?
In British English, the city of Nice is pronounced 'nees'. It shares the same vowel sound as in 'cheese'.
How to read Nice France?
When reading 'Nice France', you would pronounce 'Nice' as 'nees'. The country name 'France' is pronounced as usual.
