Have you ever come across the word "gyro" and wondered how to pronounce it correctly? Whether you saw it on a restaurant menu, a Greek food stall, or a travel guide, mastering its pronunciation can help you order with confidence. This guide provides a simple breakdown, pronunciation tips, and interactive tools to help you perfect it!

What Does Gyro Mean?

A gyro (from the Greek word γύρος, meaning "turn" or "circle") is a Greek dish made of seasoned meat (often lamb, beef, or chicken) cooked on a vertical rotisserie and served in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, tzatziki sauce, and other toppings.

Step-by-Step Pronunciation Guide

Phonetic Spelling

• Greek Pronunciation: /ˈʝi.ɾos/
• American English Approximation: /ˈyee-roh/ or /ˈzhir-oh/

Breaking It Down

To pronounce "gyro" correctly:

• "Gy" – Pronounced "YEE", like the beginning of "year."
• "ro" – Pronounced "roh", with a slightly rolled "r" in Greek (or a soft "r" in English).

✔ The correct Greek pronunciation is "YEE-roh."
✔ Avoid pronouncing it like "JY-roh" (as in "gyroscope")—this is a common mistake.

Common Mispronunciations

❌ Saying "JY-roh" (like "gyroscope") instead of "YEE-roh"
❌ Overpronouncing the "r" (it should be soft, not harsh)
❌ Saying "GEE-roh" with a hard "G"

Practice Sentences

Use "gyro" in these sentences to improve your pronunciation:

• "I’ll have a lamb gyro with extra tzatziki."
• "Gyros are one of the most popular Greek street foods."
• "Have you ever tried a chicken gyro with feta cheese?"

Gyro in Greek Cuisine

Gyros are a staple of Greek cuisine, commonly found in Greek restaurants, street food stalls, and Mediterranean kitchens worldwide. They are often compared to shawarma and doner kebabs, which have similar cooking methods but different flavors and seasonings.

FAQs

Q: Where does the word "gyro" come from?
A: It comes from the Greek word γύρος (gýros), meaning "turn" or "circle," referring to the rotating meat on a vertical spit.

Q: Is "gyro" always made with lamb?
A: Traditionally, lamb and beef are used, but chicken and pork gyros are also popular.