A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Ramen
A popular Japanese noodle soup dish, pronounced with a clear 'ah' sound, not 'ay'.
ramen
RAH-mun
/ˈrɑː.mən/ · RAH · mun
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also frequently discussed in food blogs and travel guides about Japanese cuisine.
Where the word comes from
The word 'ramen' comes from Japanese, where it refers to Chinese-style wheat noodles. It's derived from the Chinese term 'lamian', meaning 'pulled noodles'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- RAY-mun This is a common mistake, likely influenced by English words ending in '-amen'. The first vowel sound in ramen is 'ah' like in 'father'.
Frequently asked
How do you pronounce ramen?
The most common pronunciation in American English is RAH-mun. The first syllable rhymes with 'father'.
Is ramen a Japanese or Chinese word?
Ramen is a Japanese word for a noodle dish. However, the dish itself has roots in Chinese cuisine, and the word is derived from a Chinese term for noodles.
What's the difference between ramen and pho?
Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup, typically made with wheat noodles and a meat-based broth. Pho is a Vietnamese noodle soup, usually made with rice noodles and a beef or chicken broth.
How do the Japanese say ramen?
In Japanese, ramen is pronounced roughly as 'rah-men', with the emphasis on the first syllable. The 'r' sound is a light flap, similar to the 'tt' in the American English word 'butter'.
Is ramen pronounced Raymen or ramen?
The most common pronunciation in English is 'rah-men', mirroring the Japanese pronunciation. Pronouncing it as 'Ray-men' is generally considered incorrect.
How do Koreans say ramen?
Koreans typically pronounce ramen as 'ramyeon' (라면), which is a Korean adaptation of the dish. The pronunciation is closer to 'rahm-yon'.
