A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Masala
A fragrant blend of spices, essential in Indian and South Asian cooking. Pronounced muh-SAH-luh.
masala
muh-SAH-luh
/məˈsɑːlə/ · muh · SAH · luh
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It can also be used more generally to describe a spice blend.
Where the word comes from
The word 'masala' comes from Hindi and Urdu, meaning 'spice mixture'. It is ultimately derived from the Arabic word 'masalih', meaning 'ingredients'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- MAH-suh-luh The stress is on the second syllable, 'SAH', not the first. Think of it like 'muh-SAH-luh'.
- muh-SAL-uh The 'a' in the second syllable is a long 'ah' sound, like in 'father', not a short 'a' like in 'saloon'.
Frequently asked
What does masala mean?
Masala is a Hindi and Urdu word for a blend of spices. It's a key component in many South Asian cuisines.
How do you pronounce masala?
The most common pronunciation in American English is muh-SAH-luh, with the stress on the middle syllable.
What are some common masala dishes?
Popular dishes include Chicken Tikka Masala, Paneer Masala, and Masala Chai (spiced tea). The 'masala' refers to the specific spice blend used.
