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How to pronounce

Croissant

/krə.ˈsɑnt/

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US English

/krə.ˈsɑnt/

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UK English

/ˈkrwæ.sɒ̃/

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Croissant in US English is commonly said kruh-SAHNT (/krə.ˈsɑnt/), with the "t" pronounced. The UK and French-leaning version is closer to KWAH-son (/ˈkrwæ.sɒ̃/), with a nasal ending and a silent "t". Both are accepted — the American version anglicizes it, the British keeps it nearer the original French.

Pronunciation Guide

Tricky

Syllables

kwa · SONT

Pronouncing the beginning like the English word 'cross'.

A 'qua'-cking duck swam for the croissant.

Why “Croissant” is hard to pronounce

It's a French loanword, and the two English-speaking worlds handle it differently. The opening "croi" can be said as "kruh" or as a French "kwah", and the final "-ant" is either a clear "-ahnt" (US) or a nasalised, almost-silent ending (UK/French). Because there's no single "correct" English form, speakers second-guess whether to anglicise it or attempt the French — which is where the uncertainty comes from.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce "croissant"?
In US English, kruh-SAHNT (/krə.ˈsɑnt/) with the "t" said. In UK/French style, KWAH-son (/ˈkrwæ.sɒ̃/) with a nasal, near-silent ending.
Do you pronounce the "t" in croissant?
In American English, yes — kruh-SAHNT. In the French-style British pronunciation, the "t" is essentially silent.
Is croissant pronounced differently in the US and UK?
Yes. Americans tend to say kruh-SAHNT; the British pronunciation stays closer to the French KWAH-son.
Practice Speaking
Accent

Tap the mic, say “croissant”, then stop.

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