Beef bourguignon is a classic French beef stew that is savory, tender and full of flavor. However, its name can be intimidating for English speakers to pronounce properly. Don’t let the fancy foreign words scare you – learning to pronounce beef bourguignon like a professional French chef is easy with a few simple tips.
Break Down the Words
The dish name “beef bourguignon” contains two main words
- Beef – pronounced “beef” just like in English
- Bourguignon – pronounced “boor-geen-yon” in French
Focus on that second word, “bourguignon” Break it down into syllables
- Boor – sounds like “bore”
- Geen – rhymes with “mean”
- Yon – sounds like “yawn”
Stress the Syllables
In French, the stress falls on the last syllable of a word. So when you say “bourguignon,” emphasize that lastsyllable “-yon.”
Say it slowly: boor-geen-yon. Let the “yon” part stand out.
Link the Syllables
Now try to blend those syllables together fluidly
- boor-geen-yon
- boor-geen-yon
- boor-geen-yon
Connect the sounds together into one smooth word: bourguignon.
Put the Words Together
You’ve mastered the second word on its own. Now put it back together with “beef”:
- beef bourguignon
- beef bourguignon
Make sure to still stress that “yon” at the end of bourguignon.
Use the French R Sound
One tricky aspect of French pronunciation is the “R” sound. The French R is sort of growled in the back of the throat.
When you say “boor-geen-yon,” try to make the “R” sound more guttural. This will make your pronunciation authentic.
Listen to Native Speakers
Listening to native French speakers say “bourguignon” can help refine your pronunciation. Search for videos of French chefs saying the dish name. Focus on how they hit those syllables and stress the ending.
Hearing proper pronunciation will help improve your own.
Get Feedback
Practice saying “beef bourguignon” out loud when you’re alone. Record yourself and play it back to hear where your pronunciation needs work.
When ready, try saying it to a French speaker and ask for feedback. What sounds right or wrong to their ear? Use their input to tweak your pronunciation.
Don’t Stress Perfection
Pronouncing “bourguignon” perfectly takes practice. Don’t get discouraged if it feels awkward at first. With time, your mouth will become accustomed to those French sounds.
Keep repeating beef bourguignon out loud. Imitate those native speakers. Before you know it, you’ll be pronouncing it like a true Parisian! Your fluent French pronunciation will impress everyone when you serve up this classic dish.
FAQ
What does bourguignon mean in French?
The word bourguignon (pronounced “bore-green-YONE”) refers to a recipe that is prepared in the style of the French region of Bourgogne (known as Burgundy in English).
What is bourguignon in English?
jɒ̃/; French: [bœf buʁɡiɲɔ̃]), also called beef Burgundy, and bœuf à la Bourguignonne, is a French stew of beef braised in red wine, often red Burgundy, and beef stock, typically flavored with carrots, onions, garlic, and a bouquet garni, and garnished with pearl onions and mushrooms.