A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Yangon
The capital of Myanmar, pronounced with a clear 'Y' sound and a hard 'G'.
yangon
YANG-gon
/ˈjæŋˌɡɔn/ · YANG · gon
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also the name of a major city and former capital, so it appears on maps and in geographical discussions.
Where the word comes from
The name 'Yangon' comes from the Burmese words 'yan' (end) and 'koun' (reach), meaning 'end of strife'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- JAN-gon Some English speakers might substitute a 'J' sound for the 'Y' if they're unfamiliar with the spelling, but it should start with a clear 'Y' like in 'yes'.
- YAN-gun The second syllable has an 'o' sound, not a short 'u' sound. Think of the 'o' in 'gone'.
Frequently asked
How do you pronounce Yangon?
It's pronounced YANG-gon. The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'g' is hard, like in 'go'.
Is Yangon the capital of Myanmar?
No, Yangon was the capital of Myanmar until 2006. The current capital is Naypyidaw.
What does Yangon mean?
The name Yangon comes from Burmese and means 'end of strife'. It reflects a historical aspiration for peace.
