When it comes to luxury brands, the French fashion house Hermes is certainly one of the most renowned. Known for its iconic Birkin and Kelly bags, silk scarves, and other high-end accessories, the brand has a global following. However, there seems to be some confusion over how to pronounce the brand’s name correctly, particularly in British English.
So, how do the British pronounce Hermes? The answer is quite simple – it’s pronounced “er-mez.”
The emphasis is on the first syllable “er,” which should be pronounced with a short “e” sound like in “her.” The second syllable “mez” should be pronounced with a soft “z” sound.
Interestingly, this pronunciation differs from the original French pronunciation of the brand’s name. In French, Hermes is pronounced as “air-mez,” with both syllables having an emphasis on them. This difference in pronunciation can be attributed to differences in language and dialect.
But why is there such confusion over how to pronounce Hermes? One reason could be due to its spelling.
The word contains a silent letter ‘h,’ which can throw off non-French speakers. Additionally, some may assume that because it’s a luxury brand with a French name, it must have a fancy or complicated pronunciation.
Regardless of these assumptions or uncertainties, it’s important to note that when referring to Hermes in British English – it should always be pronounced as “er-mez.”
In conclusion, while some may find French pronunciations challenging at times – pronouncing Hermes correctly in British English is relatively straightforward: remember to emphasize the first syllable with a short ‘e’ sound followed by a soft ‘z’ sound for the second syllable. As you continue building your fashion knowledge base or expanding your vocabulary as an enthusiast or content creator- getting this right will undoubtedly add value and enhance your credibility amongst fellow fashion lovers.
For more information on fashion tips and tricks or luxury brand pronunciations, check out our other articles on the topic.