A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Champs-Élysées
Pronounce this famous Parisian avenue with our easy guide.
champs-élysées
shahz-eh-LEE-zay
/ˌʃɑ̃z.e.li.zeɪ/ · shahnz · eh · lee · zay
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also sometimes seen on luxury brand names.
Where the word comes from
The name comes from French, meaning 'Elysian Fields,' the paradise for heroes in Greek mythology.
Common ways people get it wrong
- CHAMP-sell-ee-zay Many English speakers see 'champs' and think of the English word 'champs.' The French 'ch' is more like 'sh,' and the 'ps' is silent.
- CHAMP-s-EL-ee-sees This tries to sound out every letter, but the French pronunciation has nasal vowels and silent letters, especially at the end.
Frequently asked
How do you say Champs-Élysées?
It's pronounced roughly 'shahz-eh-LEE-zay.' The 'ch' is like 'sh,' and the 's' at the end of 'Champs' is silent.
What does Champs-Élysées mean?
It translates to 'Elysian Fields,' which refers to a paradise in Greek mythology. It's a fitting name for a grand avenue.
Is it Champs-Elysees or Champs-Élysées?
The correct spelling includes the accent mark on the 'E' (Élysées). This indicates a specific French pronunciation of that vowel.
How do you pronounce Champs-Élysées?
The most common pronunciation in English is "shamps ee-lee-ZAY". The French pronunciation is closer to "shahn-zay-lee-ZUH".
How do you pronounce Elysee in English?
In English, "Elysee" is typically pronounced "ee-lee-ZAY". The French pronunciation is "ee-lee-ZUH".
How to pronounce Champs in French?
In French, "Champs" is pronounced "shahn", with a nasal vowel sound. It does not sound like the English word "champs".
What does Champs-Élysées mean in English?
Champs-Élysées translates to "Elysian Fields" in English. This refers to the paradise for dead heroes in Greek mythology.
