A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Crêpe
Pronounced like 'cape' with an R sound, this thin French pancake is a delicate treat.
crêpe
KRAYP
/kreɪp/ · KRAYP
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
They're a popular breakfast, brunch, or dessert item, and sometimes appear in food news or travel articles about French cuisine.
Where the word comes from
From French crêpe, meaning 'crepe, pancake', ultimately from Latin crispus, meaning 'curled, wrinkled'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- CREEP This common mistake comes from confusing the vowel sound with the word 'creep'. Remember the 'ay' sound like in 'cape'.
- CRAY-pee The final 'e' is silent in English. It's a single syllable word, not two.
Frequently asked
How do you pronounce crêpe with an accent?
The French pronunciation is closer to 'krep', with a short 'e' sound. However, in English, the standard pronunciation is 'krayp'.
Is crêpe singular or plural?
Crêpe is singular. The plural form is crêpes, pronounced the same way: 'krayps'.
What's the difference between a crêpe and a pancake?
Crêpes are much thinner and have a more delicate texture than American-style pancakes. They're made with a similar batter but cooked differently to achieve their thinness.
Is it pronounced crape or crep?
The correct pronunciation is closer to 'krep', with a short 'e' sound. It is not pronounced like 'crap'.
Is it crep or crayp?
It is pronounced 'krep', with a short 'e' sound. The pronunciation 'krayp' is incorrect.
How do you pronounce crepe pancake?
A crepe pancake is pronounced 'krep'. The emphasis is on the first syllable, with a short 'e' sound.
What is crepe in French?
In French, 'crêpe' refers to a thin pancake. The pronunciation is similar to the English pronunciation, 'krep'.
