A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Carbonara
Learn how to pronounce carbonara correctly with this simple guide for English speakers, focusing on the correct Italian-inspired rhythm.
carbonara
kar-buh-NAH-ruh
/ˌkɑːrbəˈnɑːrə/ · car · bo · na · ra
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It refers to a specific Roman pasta dish made with eggs, hard cheese, cured pork, and black pepper.
Where the word comes from
The word comes from the Italian carbonaro, meaning charcoal burner, likely referring to the dish's association with charcoal workers or the black pepper resembling coal dust.
Common ways people get it wrong
- kar-buh-NAIR-uh English speakers often default to an 'air' sound, but the Italian root requires a clear 'ah' vowel.
Frequently asked
Is the stress on the second or third syllable?
The primary stress is on the third syllable, 'nah'. Say it as kar-buh-NAH-ruh.
Do I pronounce the final 'a'?
Yes, the final 'a' is pronounced as a light 'uh' sound. It is not silent.
Is there a difference between American and Italian pronunciation?
Americans often use a slightly flatter 'r' sound, but the syllable stress remains the same. Aim for the 'ah' vowel in the middle to sound natural.
