A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Pain Au Chocolat
Learn to pronounce the classic French pastry without the awkward anglicized vowels.
pain au chocolat
PAN-oh-shoh-kuh-LAH
/pæn oʊ ˌʃoʊkəˈlɑ/ · pain · au · cho · co · lat
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It is the standard name for the pastry, so using the French pronunciation helps ensure you get exactly what you ordered.
Where the word comes from
The term comes from French, literally meaning bread with chocolate. It combines the Old French pain (bread) and chocolat (chocolate).
Common ways people get it wrong
- pain-ow-chock-oh-lat English speakers often pronounce the 'au' like the word 'cow' and the 'chocolat' like the English word 'chocolate'; remember that the 't' at the end is silent.
Frequently asked
Do I pronounce the final t?
No, the final t in chocolat is silent in French. You should end the word with a soft 'lah' sound.
Is it pain or pan?
It is closer to 'pan' with a nasalized vowel. Avoid the English 'pain' sound, which rhymes with rain.
Can I just call it a chocolate croissant?
Yes, many American bakeries use the term 'chocolate croissant' on their signs. It is perfectly acceptable to use that if you are uncomfortable with the French.
How do you pronounce pain au chocolat?
The most common pronunciation is 'pan oh sha-co-lah'. The 'n' in 'pain' is nasalized, and the 't' in 'chocolat' is silent.
What is the correct French accent for pain au chocolat?
In French, it's pronounced roughly as 'pan oh sho-ko-lah'. The key is the nasal sound in 'pain' and the soft 'ch' sound.
How do you pronounce pain au chocolat in English?
In English, it's often pronounced as 'pan oh sha-co-lah' or 'pain oh sha-co-lah'. The French nasal sound is usually simplified.
