How to Pronounce “au gratin”

American (US)

/oʊ ˈɡrɑtən/

British (UK)

/əʊ ɡɹɑˈtæn/

adjective — Covered with a crust of breadcrumbs (and often cheese) then browned under a grill.

Where the stress falls. “au gratin” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /oʊ ˈɡrɑtən/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /oʊ ˈɡrɑtən/ contains a schwa /ə/ — the short, neutral “uh” that English unstressed syllables collapse into. Saying /ə/ there, instead of the vowel the spelling suggests, is most of what makes the word sound native.

What does "au gratin" mean?

au gratin (adjective): Covered with a crust of breadcrumbs (and often cheese) then browned under a grill.

How do you pronounce "au gratin" in American vs British English?

American English: /oʊ ˈɡrɑtən/. British English: /əʊ ɡɹɑˈtæn/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "au gratin"?

/oʊ ˈɡrɑtən/ in American English, /əʊ ɡɹɑˈtæn/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "au gratin"?

“au gratin” has 3 syllables, and the transcription /oʊ ˈɡrɑtən/ puts the primary stress mark (ˈ) before the second one — so the second syllable is the longest and loudest. The others are said quickly and lightly.