Have you ever come across the word "Ghibli" and wondered how to pronounce it correctly? Whether you're talking about Studio Ghibli films, luxury cars, or aviation history, getting the pronunciation right can show cultural knowledge and appreciation.

Step-by-Step Pronunciation Guide

Phonetic Spelling

• Italian-style pronunciation: /ˈdʒɪbli/
• Japanese-style pronunciation: /ˈgɪbli/

Simplified Pronunciation

• English/Italian-influenced: JIB-lee
• Studio Ghibli (Japanese): GIB-lee

Breaking It Down

• Ghi: In Italian, “gh” before “i” is pronounced like “g” in “goose”, but often softened in English to “J”, like in “giant.”
• bli: Rhymes with “flee” or “tea.”

✔ Studio Ghibli itself uses “GIB-lee” as the correct pronunciation in Japan.
✔ Many English speakers and Italians say “JIB-lee”, especially in car and aviation contexts.

Common Mispronunciations

❌ Saying “Guh-blee” with the wrong stress
❌ Misreading “gh” as a hard “guh” instead of “g” or “j”
❌ Emphasizing the wrong syllable (stress is on the first: GIB-lee or JIB-lee)

Try It Yourself: Interactive Pronunciation Tool

Want to check if you're pronouncing "Ghibli" correctly? Use our voice recorder at the top of this page to practice. Simply record yourself, and we’ll provide feedback on your pronunciation accuracy!

Ghibli originally comes from the Libyan Arabic word “gibli”, meaning hot desert wind. It was later adopted in Italian as “ghibli” and used to name an aircraft engine. Most people today know it as part of Studio Ghibli, the legendary Japanese animation studio behind films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke.