A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Pierogi
Learn how to correctly pronounce the Polish dumpling known as pierogi with this simple guide.
pierogi
pih-ROH-ghee
/pɪˈroʊɡi/ · pi · ro · gi
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It is commonly used when discussing comfort food or holiday traditions in Slavic cultures.
Where the word comes from
The word comes from the Polish pieróg, which is derived from the Proto-Slavic *pirъ, meaning feast or banquet.
Common ways people get it wrong
- pee-ROH-jee People often mistake the 'g' for a 'j' sound, but it should be a hard 'g' as in 'go'.
- pie-ROH-gee The first syllable is a short 'pi' sound, not the English word 'pie'.
Frequently asked
Is pierogi plural or singular?
In Polish, pierogi is already the plural form of pieróg. In English, it is common to hear people say pierogies, but purists prefer pierogi for both singular and plural.
Do you pronounce the g in pierogi?
Yes, the g is always pronounced as a hard sound, like the g in game. It is never pronounced like a j.
What is the correct way to say pierogi?
The most common American English pronunciation is pih-ROH-ghee. Focus on the hard g and the short i sound at the start.
How do Polish people pronounce pierogi?
In Polish, pierogi is pronounced roughly as 'pyeh-ROH-ghee'. The emphasis is on the second syllable.
How do Ukrainians say perogies?
Ukrainians often pronounce it similarly to the Polish, as 'pyeh-ROH-ghee'. Variations exist, but this is a common pronunciation.
How do Russians say pierogi?
In Russian, the word is typically pronounced 'pi-ri-GO-hee'. The stress falls on the third syllable.
Are pierogies Polish or Russian or Ukrainian?
Pierogi are a traditional dish with roots in Eastern Europe, most strongly associated with Poland, but also popular in Ukrainian and Russian cuisine.
