How Do You Pronounce “Edinburgh”?

One of the most common questions asked by visitors to Scotland is: How do you pronounce ‘Edinburgh”

The simple answer is that locals usually say it something like:

“ED-in-bruh”
(IPA: /ˈɛdɪnbrə/)

The first part sounds just like “Ed-in”, while the ending is a soft “bruh” rather than “berg”, “boro”, or “borrow.”

How do you pronounce Edinburgh – Not “Edin-burg”

Many first-time visitors understandably pronounce the city’s name as “Edin-burg” because of the way it is written.

In Edinburgh, pronunciations like “Edin-borrow” or “Edin-burrow” are considered incorrect by Scots and are not commonly used by locals.

Why Is It Pronounced That Way?

The name comes from the ancient fortress that once stood on Castle Rock.

Over the centuries, the spelling remained largely the same while pronunciation evolved, resulting in the modern form, which sounds much shorter than many people expect.

Like many British place names, tradition has had a greater influence than phonetics.

• If you’d like to hear the pronunciation spoken aloud, the Cambridge Dictionary provides an audio example.

Will People Understand Me If I Say It Wrong?

Absolutely.

Edinburgh attracts millions of visitors each year, making locals familiar with a variety of pronunciations. Whether someone says “Edin-burg,” “Edin-borrow,” or the more authentic “ED-in-bruh,” people will most likely understand which city is meant.

The Best Way to Say It

If you want to sound a little more like a local, aim for:

“ED-in-bruh.”

Don’t worry about getting it perfect—Scots generally appreciate the effort, and a friendly smile goes a long way.