A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Retsina
A Greek white wine flavored with pine resin, pronounced with a clear 'ts' sound.
retsina
reh-TSEE-nah
/rɛˈtsi.nɑ/ · ret · si · na
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
It's a distinctive beverage often enjoyed with Mediterranean food.
Where the word comes from
The name 'retsina' comes from the Greek word 'retsi' (ρετσί), which itself derives from the Latin 'resina' meaning 'resin'. This refers to the traditional practice of adding pine resin to the wine.
Common ways people get it wrong
- reh-SI-nah People sometimes miss the 'ts' sound, turning it into a simple 's'. Remember to make a distinct 't' followed immediately by an 's'.
- RET-sin-ah The stress is on the second syllable, not the first. Focus on 'TSEE' to get the rhythm right.
Frequently asked
What does retsina taste like?
Retsina has a unique flavor profile dominated by the pine resin used in its production. This gives it a dry, slightly bitter, and aromatic quality.
Is retsina a type of wine?
Yes, retsina is a traditional Greek white wine. It's distinguished by the addition of pine resin during the winemaking process.
