A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Pho
Learn how to say pho correctly: it rhymes with duh, not with go.
pho
FUH
/fʌ/ · fuh
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It refers specifically to a noodle soup served with broth, herbs, and meat. When ordering, you can simply say 'a bowl of fuh' to be understood clearly.
Where the word comes from
The word is derived from the Vietnamese 'phở', which likely originated from a Cantonese-influenced pronunciation of the word for rice noodles.
Common ways people get it wrong
- foh People often assume it rhymes with 'go' because of the spelling; simply drop the 'o' sound and use a short 'uh' vowel.
- faw This sounds like the word 'fa' in a musical scale; aim for a flatter, shorter vowel sound.
Frequently asked
Is pho pronounced like foe?
No, that is a common mistake. It is pronounced like 'fuh' with a short vowel sound.
Why is it spelled with an o if it sounds like uh?
The spelling reflects Vietnamese orthography, where the 'o' with a hook mark indicates a specific vowel sound that does not exist in English. We approximate it using the 'uh' sound.
Does everyone pronounce pho the same way?
Most English speakers have settled on the 'fuh' pronunciation. While regional accents in Vietnam vary, 'fuh' is the standard accepted form in the United States.
Is "pho" pronounced "pho" or "fuh"?
The most common pronunciation in English is closer to "fuh", rhyming with "duh".
How do I pronounce "pho" in English?
In English, "pho" is typically pronounced to rhyme with "duh" or "huh".
Is it "Fah" or "Fuh"?
It is generally pronounced "fuh", not "fah".
How is "pho" restaurant pronounced?
Restaurant names often follow the common English pronunciation, so it's usually "fuh".
