A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Tiramisu
A beloved Italian dessert made with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.
tiramisu
TEER-uh-MEE-soo
/ˈtɪrəˌmisu/ · tee · rah · mee · soo
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a popular dessert to make at home or discuss among food enthusiasts.
Where the word comes from
The name comes from the Italian phrase 'tira mi su', literally meaning 'pull me up' or 'cheer me up'. This likely refers to the energizing effect of the coffee and sugar.
Common ways people get it wrong
- ti-ra-MIS-oo The stress is on the first syllable, TEER, not the third. Remember the 'ti' at the beginning is pronounced like 'tee'.
- ti-ra-MI-soo The 'mi' syllable is unstressed and should be short and light, not emphasized like the 'mee' in 'me'.
Frequently asked
Is tiramisu served hot or cold?
Tiramisu is traditionally served chilled. It's a no-bake dessert, so refrigeration is key to setting the mascarpone cream.
What are the main ingredients in tiramisu?
The core components are ladyfingers (savoiardi) soaked in coffee, layered with a rich cream made from mascarpone cheese, eggs, and sugar, and often dusted with cocoa powder.
How do Italians say tiramisu?
In Italian, tiramisu is pronounced tee-rah-mee-SOO. The emphasis is on the last syllable.
How should tiramisu be pronounced?
Tiramisu is pronounced tee-rah-mee-SOO. Pay attention to stressing the final syllable.
What does "tiramisu" mean?
The name "tiramisu" translates to "pick me up" or "cheer me up" in Italian. This likely refers to the coffee and sugar content.
