A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Tzatziki
A cool, creamy Greek yogurt dip with cucumber and garlic. Learn to say it right.
tzatziki
TSAHT-see-kee
/ˈtsɑːt.si.ki/ · TSAHT · see · kee
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also a popular homemade dip for vegetables.
Where the word comes from
From Ottoman Turkish 'cacık', which itself comes from Persian 'jajik'. It refers to a similar dish, often a cold soup or side dish.
Common ways people get it wrong
- tuh-ZAH-tsee-kee The initial 'tz' sound is like the 'ts' in 'cats', not a separate 'tuh' sound. Practice saying 'cats' quickly.
- zah-tsee-kee The 'tz' is a voiceless alveolar affricate, similar to the 'ts' in 'tsunami'. It's not a 'z' sound.
Frequently asked
How do you pronounce tzatziki?
It's pronounced TSAHT-see-kee. The first syllable sounds like the end of the word 'cats'.
What is tzatziki made of?
The base is typically strained Greek yogurt, mixed with grated or finely chopped cucumber, garlic, olive oil, salt, and often dill or mint.
Is tzatziki a sauce or a dip?
It functions as both. It's commonly served as a dip with pita bread or vegetables, but also used as a sauce or condiment for grilled meats and sandwiches.
How do you actually pronounce tzatziki?
Tzatziki is pronounced tsah-tsee-kee. The 'tz' sound is like the 'ts' in 'cats'.
What is the proper pronunciation of tzatziki?
The proper pronunciation of tzatziki is tsah-tsee-kee. It's a Greek word, and this pronunciation reflects its origin.
How do Turkish people say tzatziki?
While tzatziki is Greek, in Turkish it is pronounced similarly, often as 'cacık' (jah-jeek). The 'c' in Turkish makes a 'j' sound.
Tzatziki pronunciation in English
In English, tzatziki is commonly pronounced as tsah-tsee-kee. Some may simplify it slightly, but this is the most widely accepted pronunciation.
