Learn How to Pronounce parmesan

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parmesan

Definition:

(nou) hard dry sharp-flavored Italian cheese; often grated

Examples:

Omelettes are great with parmesan cheese.

There needs to be an article on parmesan cheese.

The cheese is a cross between a parmesan and a cheddar.

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parmesan

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How to perfect your pronunciation of: parmesan

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Common mistakes of parmesan pronunciation

Misplacing the stress: Many people incorrectly place the stress on the second syllable, pronouncing it as "par-me-SAN". The correct stress is on the first syllable, /ˈpɑːr.mə.zɑːn/ (US) and /ˈpɑː.mə.zɒn/ (UK). Tip: Remember to emphasize the first part, "par".
Incorrect vowel sounds: Some learners pronounce "parmesan" with an "e" sound, saying "par-me-san". The correct pronunciation includes an unstressed "e" sound, making it /ˈpɑːr.mə.zɑːn/ (US) and /ˈpɑː.mə.zɒn/ (UK). Tip: Focus on the "a" in the last syllable, which should sound like "ahn".
Adding extra syllables: A common mistake is adding an extra syllable, saying "par-me-zan" instead of "parmesan". The word has three syllables, not four. The correct breakdown is /ˈpɑːr.mə.zɑːn/ (US) and /ˈpɑː.mə.zɒn/ (UK). Tip: Keep it smooth and concise with just three syllables.
Overemphasizing the "m": Some speakers tend to overemphasize the "m" in "parmesan", making it sound like "par-me-san". The "m" should be pronounced softly. The correct pronunciation is /ˈpɑːr.mə.zɑːn/ (US) and /ˈpɑː.mə.zɒn/ (UK). Tip: Keep the "m" subtle and fluid with the surrounding sounds.
Mispronouncing the last syllable: Many pronounce the last syllable as "zan" rather than "zahn". The correct pronunciation is /ˈpɑːr.mə.zɑːn/ (US) and /ˈpɑː.mə.zɒn/ (UK). Tip: Make sure the last syllable sounds like "zahn" to avoid confusion.

Frequently asked questions

How do you pronounce "parmesan" correctly?

In American English, "parmesan" is pronounced as /ˈpɑr.mə.zɑn/ with the primary stress on the first syllable. In British English, it is also pronounced similarly, but some might emphasize the second syllable slightly more, resulting in /ˈpɑː.mə.zɒn/.

Is there a silent letter in "parmesan"?

Yes, the letter "n" at the end of "parmesan" is not silent; all letters are pronounced, but the "e" is often reduced to a schwa sound /ə/ in casual speech. This can lead to variations in pronunciation, especially in fast conversation.

What syllable does the stress fall on in "parmesan"?

The stress in "parmesan" falls on the first syllable, making it /ˈpɑr.mə.zɑn/. This means that when you say the word, you should emphasize the "par" part more than the other syllables.

Are there any common mistakes when pronouncing "parmesan"?

A common mistake is mispronouncing it as /ˈpɑr.mɪ.zæn/, adding an extra syllable and changing the vowel sounds. Remember to keep it to three syllables and focus on the correct vowel sounds to avoid confusion.