A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Prosciutto
Italian dry-cured ham, pronounced with a clear 'sh' sound and a final 'oh'.
prosciutto
proh-SHOO-toh
/proʊˈʃuːtoʊ/ · proh · shoo · toh
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a popular deli meat for sandwiches and charcuterie boards.
Where the word comes from
The word comes from Italian 'prosciutto', meaning 'ham'. This, in turn, derives from Latin 'perexsectus', meaning 'cut through'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- pruh-SKOO-toh The 'sc' in Italian is often pronounced 'sh' in English, not 'sk'. Remember 'sh' like in 'shoe'.
- proh-SHOO-tuh The final syllable sounds like 'toe', not 'tuh'. Aim for a clear 'oh' sound at the end.
Frequently asked
Is prosciutto salty?
Yes, prosciutto is a dry-cured ham, and salt is essential to the curing process. This gives it a distinct salty, savory flavor.
How do you eat prosciutto?
It's often eaten thinly sliced on its own, or as part of a charcuterie board. It's also delicious wrapped around fruit like melon or figs.
What's the difference between prosciutto and ham?
Prosciutto is a specific type of Italian dry-cured ham, made from the hind leg of a pig. Regular ham can be cured, smoked, or cooked in various ways.
How do real Italians pronounce prosciutto?
Italians pronounce prosciutto as proh-SKOO-toh. The 'sc' makes a 'sk' sound, and the 'tt' is a slightly longer 't' sound.
What is the C rule in Italian?
In Italian, 'c' followed by 'e' or 'i' makes a 'ch' sound, like in 'ciao'. Otherwise, it makes a hard 'k' sound, like in 'casa'.
How to pronounce Prosci?
The word 'prosciutto' is often shortened in casual conversation. Pronouncing it as 'proh-SKOO-toh' is the standard Italian way.
