A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Dolma
A savory stuffed vegetable dish, often featuring grape leaves, with a pronunciation that's easier than it looks.
dolma
DOL-muh
/ˈdɔl.mə/ · DOL · muh
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a common topic when discussing international cuisine or family recipes.
Where the word comes from
The word 'dolma' comes from the Turkish verb 'dolmak', meaning 'to be stuffed'. This reflects the dish's preparation, where ingredients are packed inside vegetables or leaves.
Common ways people get it wrong
- do-LMAH The stress is on the first syllable, like 'dollar', not the second. Make sure the 'o' sound is short and clear.
- DOLE-muh The first vowel is a short 'o' sound, like in 'hot', not a long 'o' like in 'dole'.
Frequently asked
What is dolma made of?
Dolma typically consists of vegetables like grape leaves, bell peppers, or zucchini stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat.
Is dolma a type of rice?
No, dolma is a dish where rice is a common filling, but the dish itself is the stuffed vegetable or leaf preparation.
