How to Pronounce Nigiri Sushi: The Correct Way

Note: We will be calling this pronunciation method Nasal sonant. Some Japanese, especially younger generations, do not use it.

Understanding Nigiri and Pronunciation

Nigiri is a traditional form of sushi, but in Japanese, it is called Nigiri-zushi. This means you should pronounce it as Nee-gi-ri.

The Correct Pronunciation

‘nee’ - as in ‘knee’ ‘gee’ - hard ‘G’ like in ‘karate’ or ‘judo uniform gi’ ‘ree’ - rolled ‘R’ but a single roll, not multiple like in Spanish or Italian Equal lengths on all three syllables

So, it should sound like ‘Knee-Gear-Lee’ with the tone similar to the melody ‘mi’-soh’- soh’ or E-G-low G in musical notation, or ‘mi-soh-soh E-G-G’.

Nasal Sonant Pronunciation

According to Japanese phonetics, the vowel ‘i’ is always pronounced as the short ī as in ‘tea’, never the long ī as in ‘eye’. The consonant ‘g’ is pronounced as in ‘Lady Gaga’, and ‘r’ is pronounced without rolling your tongue and phonetically identical to ‘l’ as in ‘law’ rather than ‘r’ as in ‘raw’.

The word ‘Nigiri’, which means the form of sushi that is made and eaten by the grip of your hand, is pronounced as ‘Nee-gi-ri’ with shorter ‘i’ in all three syllables.

Common Mispronunciation: ‘Sue-she’

Many non-Japanese have a tendency to pronounce Nigiri as ‘sue-she’. Instead, try the ‘su’ pronunciation without drawing out the ‘u’ as in ‘supine’ or ‘sukiyaki’. It is more accurate and closer to the true Japanese pronunciation.

How is Sushi Pronounced?

Sushi is a Japanese delicacy that can be written in Japanese characters as すし.

Conclusion

Mastering the correct pronunciation of Nigiri sushi is not just about getting it right phonetically; it’s also a small way to show respect for the Japanese culture and tradition. Whether you are ordering from a sushi counter or are exploring Japanese cuisine, knowing how to say Nigiri correctly will enhance your dining experience.

Key Points to Remember:

‘nee’ - as in ‘knee’ ‘gee’ - hard ‘G’ like in ‘karate’ or ‘judo uniform gi’ ‘ree’ - rolled ‘R’ but a single roll, not multiple like in Spanish or Italian No drawn out ‘u’ in ‘su’ as in ‘supine’ or ‘sukiyaki’ Short ‘i’ in all three syllables