A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Borscht
A hearty beet soup with Eastern European roots, pronounced like 'borst' with a clear 'sh' sound.
borscht
BORSHT
/bɔrʃt/ · BORSHT
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a common topic in food blogs and cultural discussions.
Where the word comes from
The word 'borscht' comes from Proto-Slavic *bŭrščǐ, referring to cow parsnip, an ingredient in early versions of the soup. It entered English from Russian or Ukrainian.
Common ways people get it wrong
- BOR-che The final 't' sound is often dropped or softened, but it should be a clear 't' at the end, not an 'ch' sound.
- BOR-shit The vowel sound is closer to the 'o' in 'bore' or 'door', not the 'i' in 'shit'.
Frequently asked
How do you pronounce borscht?
It's pronounced 'borsht', rhyming with 'horst' or 'porch' but with a clear 't' at the end. The vowel sound is like the 'o' in 'bore'.
What is borscht made of?
The most common ingredient is beets, which give it its distinctive red color. It often includes other vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and potatoes, and can be served hot or cold.
Is borscht Russian or Ukrainian?
Borscht is a staple dish in many Eastern European countries, but it is particularly iconic and considered a national dish in Ukraine. It's also widely enjoyed in Russia and other neighboring regions.
