A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Jamaica
A common food item, often served as a side dish, with a distinctively sweet and savory flavor profile.
jamaica
juh-MAY-kuh
/dʒəˈmeɪkə/ · juh · MAY · kuh
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's a popular side dish that can accompany various main courses, from barbecue to fried chicken.
Where the word comes from
The name 'Jamaica' likely comes from the Taíno word 'Xaymaca', meaning 'land of wood and water'. The dish is named after the island of Jamaica.
Common ways people get it wrong
- juh-MAY-see-uh This is a common mistake, likely confusing it with the country name, but the dish is pronounced with a 'kuh' sound at the end.
Frequently asked
What is Jamaica pronunciation?
Jamaica pronunciation is juh-MAY-kuh. The stress is on the second syllable, 'MAY'.
Is Jamaica a type of rice?
While often made with rice, Jamaica is a dish that typically includes rice, pigeon peas, and coconut milk, seasoned with spices.
