A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Ratatouille
Learn how to pronounce the classic French vegetable stew correctly with this simple guide.
ratatouille
rat-uh-TOO-ee
/ˌræt.əˈtuː.i/ · rat · a · tou · ille
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It is a standard term for a Provençal stew of eggplant, zucchini, peppers, and tomatoes. Use it naturally in conversation when ordering or describing the dish.
Where the word comes from
The word comes from the French verb ratouiller, a dialectal form of touiller, meaning to stir up or mix. It entered English in the late 19th century.
Common ways people get it wrong
- rat-uh-TWILL This mistake treats the word as if it were English; avoid pronouncing the 'ouille' like 'will'.
- rat-uh-TOO-yuh Adding a 'yuh' sound at the end is a common hyper-correction; the final syllable is simply 'ee'.
Frequently asked
Is the T silent in ratatouille?
No, the T is pronounced clearly in both the French and English versions of the word. You should articulate the 'rat' sound at the beginning of the word.
Do I pronounce the final E?
The final E is not silent, but it does not form a separate syllable. It creates the 'ee' sound at the end of the word.
How do I say it like a French person?
In French, the R is guttural and the vowels are more clipped. However, the 'rat-uh-TOO-ee' pronunciation is the standard, accepted way to say it in English.
What's the correct pronunciation of ratatouille?
Ratatouille is pronounced roughly as 'rah-tah-too-ee'. The emphasis is on the last syllable.
How do French people say ratatouille?
In French, ratatouille is pronounced 'rah-tah-too-y'. The final 'e' is often softened or almost silent.
Are the L's silent in ratatouille?
There are no L's in the word ratatouille, so the question of them being silent is not applicable.
What is the meaning of ratatouille?
Ratatouille is a French Provençal stewed vegetable dish. It typically includes tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions.
