A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Shawarma
A popular Middle Eastern street food, shawarma is pronounced with a clear 'sh' sound and stress on the second syllable.
shawarma
shuh-WAR-muh
/ʃəˈwɑːrmə/ · sha · war · ma
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a common topic when discussing popular street foods or international cuisine.
Where the word comes from
The word 'shawarma' comes from the Turkish word çevirme, meaning 'turning'. This refers to the rotating spit on which the meat is cooked.
Common ways people get it wrong
- SHAW-ur-muh Some people might pronounce the second syllable like 'our', but the 'ar' in shawarma is more like the 'ar' in 'car'.
- SHAH-war-muh The initial sound is a soft 'sh' like in 'shoe', not a hard 'sh' like in 'shah'.
Frequently asked
What kind of meat is in shawarma?
Shawarma is typically made with thinly sliced lamb, chicken, beef, or turkey. The meat is seasoned and stacked in the shape of a cone, then slow-roasted on a vertical rotisserie.
Is shawarma spicy?
Shawarma itself is not inherently spicy, but the marinade and sauces served with it can add heat. Common accompaniments include tahini, hummus, pickles, and vegetables.
How do Arabs say shawarma?
In Arabic, shawarma is pronounced roughly as 'sha-WAR-ma'. The emphasis is on the second syllable.
Is it shawarma or SHWARma pronunciation?
The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is 'sha-WAR-ma'. Pronouncing it as 'SHWAR-ma' is less common and can sound incorrect to many speakers.
Is it a shawarma or SHWARma?
The standard pronunciation is 'sha-WAR-ma'. While some might shorten it colloquially, 'sha-WAR-ma' is the more accurate and widely understood way to say it.
