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Why "basil" sounds different in British English
British English says /ˈbæzəl/, with the short /æ/ vowel of "cat" in the stressed syllable, so the herb sounds exactly like the man's name Basil, as in Basil Fawlty. The second syllable is a weak "uhl", and the S is voiced, a clear Z.
Most Americans say /ˈbeɪzəl/, with the "ay" of "day", although "BAZ-uhl" is also heard in the US. The difference is a single vowel, but it is very noticeable. The "ay" version can sound American to British ears, while "BAZ-uhl" can sound British or slightly formal to Americans. Keep the first vowel short and open and you will match standard British usage.
How to say "basil" like a Brit, step by step
- Open your mouth for the short a of "cat": baz.
- Make the S a buzzing z, not a hiss.
- Finish with a soft, quick uhl.
- Stress the first syllable: BAZ-uhl, rhyming with "dazzle".
Practise "basil" in a sentence
- Tear a few basil leaves over the pasta before serving.
- I've got a pot of basil growing on the windowsill.
- Tomato, mozzarella and basil is my favourite sandwich.
Saying it once correctly is easy. Saying it right in the middle of a fast sentence is the hard part, which is why the sentences above matter more than the single word.
Frequently asked questions
How do you pronounce basil in a British accent?
In Received Pronunciation, basil is pronounced /ˈbæzəl/, roughly "BAZ-uhl". It rhymes with "dazzle", the same as the name Basil.
Is the American pronunciation of basil wrong?
No. /ˈbeɪzəl/ is standard in American English. Both are correct, they simply belong to different accents. If you are learning a British accent, aim for /ˈbæzəl/.