A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Hummus
Hummus is pronounced with a short 'u' sound, like in 'put,' not like 'huge.'.
hummus
HUM-us
/ˈhʊm.əs/ · HUM · us
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a popular dip for vegetables and a common item in grocery store deli sections.
Where the word comes from
The word 'hummus' comes from Arabic, where it literally means 'chickpeas.'
Common ways people get it wrong
- HYOO-mus This is a common mistake, likely influenced by words like 'huge.' Remember the short 'u' sound as in 'put' or 'hum.'
Frequently asked
How do you pronounce hummus?
The most common pronunciation in American English is HUM-us, with a short 'u' sound like in 'put.' It's not pronounced like 'huge.'
Is hummus pronounced with a hard or soft H?
It's pronounced with a standard, slightly aspirated 'h' sound, like in 'hello.' There's no silent 'h' or unusual pronunciation.
What's the difference between hummus and hummous?
These are just different spellings for the same chickpea dip. Both are pronounced the same way: HUM-us.
How do Arabs say hummus?
In Arabic, hummus is pronounced roughly as 'HOOM-us'. The emphasis is on the first syllable.
How do chefs pronounce hummus?
Chefs typically pronounce hummus as 'HOOM-us', mirroring the common and correct pronunciation.
What do Americans call hummus?
Americans generally pronounce hummus as 'HOOM-us', with the emphasis on the first syllable.
