A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Versailles
Pronounced 'ver-SAYZ,' this French palace name is often mispronounced by English speakers. Get it right!
versailles
ver-SAYZ
/vɛrˈseɪz/ · ver · sayz
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It also appears on menus for French restaurants, often in the name of dishes like 'Chicken Versailles.'
Where the word comes from
The word 'Versailles' comes from the name of a former village and commune in France, which became famous for the Palace of Versailles, the principal royal residence of France from 1682 until the start of the French Revolution in 1789.
Common ways people get it wrong
- ver-SAILZ Many English speakers see the '-ailles' ending and pronounce it like 'ails' or 'sailz.' Remember, it's a French sound, closer to 'ayz.'
- ver-SAL-yes This tries to pronounce every letter, but the French pronunciation elides the 'l' and 'y' sound, making it 'ver-SAYZ.'
Frequently asked
How do you pronounce Versailles in French?
In French, it's closer to 'Ver-SAI-yuh.' However, for English speakers, 'ver-SAYZ' is the widely accepted pronunciation.
Is the 's' at the end of Versailles silent?
In the standard English pronunciation, the final 's' is pronounced, making the sound 'SAYZ.' It is not silent.
What's the most common mistake when saying Versailles?
The most common mistake is pronouncing the '-ailles' ending like 'ails' or 'sailz.' The correct English pronunciation rhymes with 'haze' or 'days.'
How do you pronounce Versailles in France?
In French, Versailles is pronounced roughly as 'ver-sai'. The 's' at the end is silent.
Why is Versailles pronounced differently in English?
English speakers often adapt foreign words to fit English phonetics, leading to variations like 'ver-SAILS'. The French pronunciation is closer to 'ver-sai'.
Can you hear a native speaker pronounce Versailles?
Yes, many online resources and videos feature native French speakers pronouncing Versailles. Listening to these can help you master the correct sound.
What is the pronunciation of the Treaty of Versailles in English?
The Treaty of Versailles is commonly pronounced in English as 'ver-SAILS'. The stress is on the second syllable.
