A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Spaghetti
Say 'spuh-GET-ee' to order this classic Italian pasta dish correctly.
spaghetti
spuh-GET-ee
/spəˈɡɛɾi/ · spuh · GET · ee
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's a universally recognized pasta dish.
Where the word comes from
The word 'spaghetti' comes from Italian, where it's the plural of 'spaghetto,' meaning 'thin string' or 'twine.' This refers to the long, thin shape of the pasta.
Common ways people get it wrong
- spuh-GAH-tee This mistake often happens because English speakers sometimes substitute a 't' sound for a 'd' or 'r' sound, especially after a vowel. Remember the 'g' is a soft 'g' sound, like in 'gem'.
- spuh-GET-ee This is the correct pronunciation, but some people might overemphasize the first syllable, making it sound like 'SPUH-get-ee'.
Frequently asked
How do Americans pronounce spaghetti?
Most Americans pronounce it 'spuh-GET-ee.' The stress is on the second syllable, and the 'g' sound is soft, like the 'j' in 'jump'.
Is there a silent letter in spaghetti?
No, there are no silent letters in spaghetti. Each letter is pronounced, though the 'g' has a soft sound.
What's the difference between spaghetti and linguine pronunciation?
Spaghetti is pronounced 'spuh-GET-ee,' while linguine is 'lin-GWEE-nay.' The key difference is the vowel sound in the second syllable and the ending.
