A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Baklava
A rich, sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
baklava
bah-KLAH-vuh
/bɑːˈklɑːvə/ · bah · kla · vuh
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a popular treat during holidays and special occasions, often found in bakeries or homemade.
Where the word comes from
The word 'baklava' likely comes from Ottoman Turkish, which in turn may have borrowed it from Persian. Some theories suggest it's related to the Greek word 'bakla', meaning 'bean', though this is debated.
Common ways people get it wrong
- back-LAV-uh This common mistake puts the stress on the wrong syllable. Remember the stress falls on the second syllable, 'KLAH'.
- bah-kuh-LAH-vuh Adding an extra syllable can happen when trying to sound out the word. Stick to the three distinct syllables: bah-KLAH-vuh.
Frequently asked
What is baklava made of?
Baklava is made of thin layers of filo dough, brushed with butter or oil, and filled with chopped nuts like walnuts, pistachios, or almonds. It's then baked and drenched in a sweet syrup or honey.
Is baklava a Greek or Turkish dessert?
Baklava is a beloved dessert in both Greek and Turkish cuisines, as well as many other cultures in the Eastern Mediterranean and Middle East. Its exact origin is debated, but it has a long history in the region.
How do Turkish people pronounce baklava?
In Turkish, baklava is pronounced roughly as 'bah-klah-vah'. The emphasis is on the first syllable.
How do the Greeks pronounce baklava?
Greeks pronounce baklava as 'bah-klah-vah'. Similar to Turkish, the stress is on the first syllable.
How do Lebanese pronounce baklava?
In Lebanese Arabic, baklava is often pronounced as 'bak-la-va'. The pronunciation can vary slightly by region.
What is the English pronunciation of baklava?
In English, baklava is commonly pronounced as 'bah-klah-vah'. Some speakers may also use 'bak-luh-vah'.
