Onigiri ( or ), commonly known as Japanese rice balls or rice triangles, are a popular food item in Japan, often enjoyed as a snack, a light meal, or part of a packed lunch (bento). Pronouncing onigiri correctly is essential for effective communication and cultural immersion when visiting Japan or interacting with Japanese speakers.
The pronunciation of onigiri consists of two parts: “on” and “giri.” The “o” in “on” is pronounced as in “home,” while the “n” is pronounced with a slight nasal sound, similar to the “n” in “song.” The “gi” in “giri” is pronounced with a hard “g” sound, as in “go,” and the “ri” is pronounced as in “rig.” Putting it together, the word “onigiri” is pronounced as “oh-nee-gee-ree.”
