A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Baguette
Pronounce this French bread: stress the second syllable and soften the ending.
baguette
ba-GET
/baˈɡɛt/ · ba · GET
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a frequent topic when discussing bread types or recipes.
Where the word comes from
The word 'baguette' comes from the French word for 'wand' or 'stick,' which itself derives from the Latin 'baculum,' meaning 'staff' or 'stick.' This refers to the bread's long, thin shape.
Common ways people get it wrong
- bag-ET People sometimes stress the first syllable because it sounds like the English word 'bag.' Remember, the stress is on the second syllable.
- bag-GET The final 'e' in French is often silent or a very soft 'uh' sound, not a hard 't' like in 'get.'
Frequently asked
How do Americans usually say baguette?
Many Americans say 'ba-GET' with the stress on the second syllable. Some might still struggle with the French 't' sound at the end, but this is the most common and accepted pronunciation.
Is the last T in baguette silent?
In French, the final 't' in 'baguette' is very soft, almost like a slight puff of air, or sometimes completely silent. For English speakers, a soft 't' sound is generally understood.
What's the difference between baguette and French bread?
A baguette is a specific type of French bread, characterized by its long, thin shape. While often called 'French bread' in the US, 'baguette' is the more precise term for the traditional French loaf.
