A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Zagreb
Pronounce Zagreb like ZAH-greb to correctly name Croatia's capital city.
zagreb
ZAH-greb
/ˈzɑːɡrɛb/ · ZAH · greb
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
Zagreb is the capital and largest city of Croatia. You'll hear it mentioned in news reports about Eastern Europe, in travel discussions, or when referring to Croatian culture and cuisine.
Where the word comes from
The name Zagreb is believed to derive from the Slavic word 'zagrebati,' meaning 'to scratch' or 'to dig.' It may refer to the action of digging a moat around the early settlement.
Common ways people get it wrong
- zuh-GREB The first syllable is stressed and sounds like 'zah,' not 'zuh.' Ensure the emphasis is on the first part of the word.
- ZAG-rib The second syllable has an 'eh' sound, like in 'red,' not an 'ih' sound like in 'rib.' Aim for a clear 'eh' sound.
Frequently asked
Is Zagreb pronounced with a hard G?
Yes, the 'g' in Zagreb is a hard 'g' sound, like in 'go.' It is not softened or changed.
What is the stress in Zagreb?
The stress falls on the first syllable. Say ZAH-greb, putting the emphasis on the 'ZAH' part.
How do you say Zagreb in Croatian?
The pronunciation is very similar to the English 'ZAH-greb,' with the stress on the first syllable and a clear 'g' sound.
