How to Pronounce Pho: A Guide to Perfecting the Correct Pronunciation

The word "pho" is a Vietnamese dish, specifically a type of soup.

• The correct pronunciation of "pho" is "fuh" (rhymes with "duh").

The "ph" in Vietnamese is pronounced as an "f" sound. So, it is pronounced like "fuh" with a short vowel sound, rather than a long "o" sound as in "foe" or "foh."

(Pho is pronounced "fuh"). Image: Internet

Having the ability to accurately pronounce the names of Vietnamese delicacies will greatly facilitate your life as well as the lives of waiters and waitresses. Here, we present our comprehensive guide on the correct pronunciation of some commonly encountered Vietnamese dishes, along with their meanings.

Phở, arguably the most renowned Vietnamese dish, particularly outside of Vietnam, has emerged relatively recently in Vietnamese cuisine despite being considered the national dish. A steaming bowl of pho comprises three primary elements: a flavorsome broth, meticulously crafted by simmering animal bones and fragrant herbs to create a robust stock, delicate rice noodles, and typically beef as the meat component. Additional herbs and garnishes can be added based on personal preferences.

It is truly astonishing how frequently pho is mispronounced, despite its widespread popularity. While many people might pronounce it as "poe" or "foe," the correct pronunciation is closer to "fuh." Nonetheless, even if you happen to mispronounce it at a restaurant, the waitstaff will likely understand your intention due to the prevalence of this mispronunciation.

Pho encompasses various variations. Phở bò refers to beef pho and is the most commonly encountered type, whereas phở gà, featuring chicken, is gaining popularity. Lastly, "heo" represents "pork." For vegetarian individuals, keep an eye out for signs indicating "phở chay" which denotes a vegetarian option. The pronunciation is similar to "yay," but with a "ch" sound at the beginning.

Tutorial videos

You can search for "how to pronounce pho" on popular video platforms such as YouTube. There are many tutorial videos available that can guide you on the correct pronunciation of "pho" with audio demonstrations. Watching these videos will help you understand the proper pronunciation and improve your pronunciation skills.