A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Risotto
A creamy Italian rice dish, pronounced with a clear 'z' and a long 'o' sound at the end.
risotto
ree-ZAH-toh
/riˈzɑːtoʊ/ · ri · zot · to
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a common topic in cooking shows and food blogs.
Where the word comes from
The word 'risotto' comes from the Italian word 'riso', meaning 'rice'. It's a diminutive form, essentially meaning 'little rice'.
Common ways people get it wrong
- rih-SOH-toh People sometimes pronounce the 's' like a 'sh' sound, but it's a clear 'z' sound like in 'zebra'.
- rih-SOT-oh The stress is on the second syllable, not the first or last. Think 'ree-ZAH-toh'.
Frequently asked
Is risotto Italian or Spanish?
Risotto is definitively Italian. It's a classic dish from Northern Italy, made with a specific type of short-grain rice.
What's the difference between risotto and regular rice?
Risotto uses starchy, short-grain rice like Arborio or Carnaroli, which releases starch as it cooks, creating a creamy texture. Regular rice grains typically stay separate.
