A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Banh Mi
A Vietnamese sandwich with a crispy baguette and savory fillings. Learn to say it right.
banh mi
BAHN MEE
/ˈbɑːn ˈmiː/ · BAHN · MEE
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a popular street food and frequently mentioned in food blogs and travel guides.
Where the word comes from
The word 'bánh' means bread or cake, and 'mì' means wheat. It's a direct Vietnamese term for a wheat bread sandwich.
Common ways people get it wrong
- BAN-my The 'nh' in Vietnamese is like the 'n' in 'sing', not a separate 'n' and 'y'. Focus on the nasal sound.
- BEN-mee The first vowel is an 'ah' sound, like in 'father', not the 'eh' in 'bed'.
Frequently asked
How do you pronounce banh mi?
It's pronounced 'BAHN MEE'. The 'ahn' is a nasal sound, and the 'ee' is like the word 'see'.
Is banh mi a type of bread?
Banh mi refers to the sandwich itself, which uses a specific type of baguette. The word literally translates to 'wheat bread' in Vietnamese.
What are common banh mi fillings?
Fillings vary widely but often include grilled meats like pork or chicken, pâté, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and sometimes a spicy sauce.
Do you pronounce the 'n' in banh mi?
Yes, the 'n' in 'banh' is pronounced. It is a nasal sound, similar to the 'n' in 'sing'.
How do you pronounce 'banh' in Vietnamese?
The word 'banh' is pronounced roughly as 'bun' with a falling tone. The 'a' sound is short and open, and the 'nh' creates a nasal sound.
Is it 'banh' or 'bahn'?
It is pronounced 'banh,' not 'bahn.' The 'a' is a short vowel sound, and the 'nh' is a distinct nasal sound.
