A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Cognac
Learn to pronounce cognac, the French brandy, with confidence. Get the correct stress and sounds for this sophisticated spirit.
cognac
KON-yak
/ˈkɑːnjæk/ · KON · yak
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's also common in recipes for desserts or sauces, and in discussions about French culture and luxury goods.
Where the word comes from
The word 'cognac' comes from the name of the town of Cognac in southwestern France, where this type of brandy is produced. The town's name itself likely derives from a Gallo-Roman personal name.
Common ways people get it wrong
- cog-NAK People sometimes put the stress on the second syllable, but in English, the stress is on the first syllable, 'KON'.
- cog-NACK The final sound is more of an 'ak' sound, not a hard 'ack'. Aim for a softer 'yak'.
Frequently asked
Is cognac a type of brandy?
Yes, cognac is a specific type of brandy. It must be produced in the Cognac region of France and meet strict production standards to be called cognac.
What's the difference between brandy and cognac?
All cognac is brandy, but not all brandy is cognac. Cognac must come from the Cognac region of France, whereas brandy can be made anywhere in the world.
What's the correct pronunciation of cognac?
The most common pronunciation in English is KOHN-yak. In French, it's closer to kohn-YAK.
Is the G silent in cognac?
The 'g' in cognac is not silent. It is pronounced with a 'y' sound, similar to the 'y' in 'yes'.
How do you pronounce cognac in French?
In French, cognac is pronounced roughly as 'kɔɲɑ̃k'. The 'g' is softened and the 'n' is nasalized.
What is the English pronunciation of cognac?
The standard English pronunciation of cognac is KOHN-yak, with the stress on the first syllable.
