How to Pronounce “bordelaise”

American (US)

/ˌbɔɹdəˈleɪz/

British (UK)

/ˌbɔːdəˈleɪz/

adjective — Served with Bordelaise sauce.

Example: lobster bordelaise.

The final e is silent. The transcription /ˌbɔɹdəˈleɪz/ ends on a consonant sound, so the written e at the end of “bordelaise” is not pronounced.

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

An unstressed vowel reduces to schwa. /ˌbɔɹdəˈleɪz/ 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 "bordelaise" mean?

bordelaise (adjective): Served with Bordelaise sauce. For example — lobster bordelaise.

How do you pronounce "bordelaise" in American vs British English?

American English: /ˌbɔɹdəˈleɪz/. British English: /ˌbɔːdəˈleɪz/. Play both on this page to hear the difference.

What is the IPA transcription of "bordelaise"?

/ˌbɔɹdəˈleɪz/ in American English, /ˌbɔːdəˈleɪz/ in British English.

Which syllable is stressed in "bordelaise"?

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