2 syllables: Pas, tis. Stress on Pas.
PAS-tis
/ˈpæstɪs/
Pastis is pronounced PAS-tis (/ˈpæstɪs/). It has two syllables (Pas-tis), with the stress on "Pas". Pastis is a brightly flavored, anise- and spice-based liqueur grid of Mediterranean origin, traditionally served diluted with water. It’s commonly associated with French aperitif culture, presenting a strong aroma and a cloudy appearance when mixed. The term also refers to the beverage itself, produced in several countries, with each brand offering a distinctive balance of herbs and sweetness.
nounPastis is a brightly flavored, anise- and spice-based liqueur grid of Mediterranean origin, traditionally served diluted with water. It’s commonly associated with French aperitif culture, presenting a strong aroma and a cloudy appearance when mixed. The term also refers to the beverage itself, produced in several countries, with each brand offering a distinctive balance of herbs and sweetness.
"- In a sunny Provençal cafe, I ordered a glass of Pastis with water."
"- The bartender added two measures of Pastis to the glass, then topped it with ice."
"- After dinner, we shared a glass of Pastis as an aromatic digestive."
Pastis is pronounced /pɑˈtiːs/ in most English contexts, with stress on the second syllable. Start with /p/ as a light, aspirated bilabial plosive, then /ɑ/ as an open back unrounded vowel. The second syllable features /tiːs/, where /t/ is a crisp dental/tap, /iː/ is a long front vowel, and /s/ is a voiceless sibilant. In many English accents you’ll hear /ˈpæs.tɪs/ or /pɑˈtiːs/; the latter aligns with French pronunciation. Practicing with a slow, deliberate enunciation helps you avoid final vowel reduction. Audio reference: listen to native pronunciation on Pronounce or Forvo and imitate the steady vowel length and final /s/.
Common mistakes include dropping the second syllable vowel length, pronouncing it as /ˈpæs.təs/ or /ˈpæs.tɪs/, and misplacing stress, saying /ˈpæstɪs/ or /pæˈtiːz/. To correct, emphasize the /ɑː/ or /ɑ/ in the first syllable and maintain a long /iː/ in the second syllable. Keep the final /s/ crisp and voiceless, and avoid t-voicing or vowel reduction in the second syllable. Listening to native speakers and repeating with controlled tempo helps fix these habits.
In US English, /pɑˈtiːs/ with a rhotic accent and a clear /r/ absence in the syllable; in UK English, /ˈpɑː.tɪs/ or /pɑˈtiːs/ with non-rhotic tendencies and shorter /aː/; in Australian English, /ˈpæs.tɪs/ or /pɒːˈtiːs/ depending on speaker, with more careful vowel quality and a slightly softened /t/ between vowels. Each variety maintains the /t/ followed by a long /iː/ and final /s/, but vowel quality and syllable stress can shift subtly. Listen to native samples across dialects to sense the subtle vowels and rhythm.
Pastis challenges speakers due to the combination of a short, unstressed first consonant cluster and a final long front vowel in the second syllable, plus the /s/ at the end which can morph in some accents. The /ɑ/ or /a/ in the first syllable can be unclear, and many English speakers misplace stress. Also, the name’s French origin can tempt non-native speakers to apply French nasal vowels or silent letters that aren’t present here. Focus on crisp /p/ release, open /ɑ/, long /iː/, and final /s/ for accuracy.
A unique element of Pastis is the strong, almost clean /t/ followed by a long /iː/ before the final /s/. The challenge is ensuring the /iː/ doesn’t become a short /ɪ/ and that the cluster /ts/ is not unduly released as separate consonants. Keep the tongue blade high for /t/, release cleanly into /iː/ by keeping the jaw steady, and finish with a precise, unvoiced /s/. This subtle timing and length distinction is what marks a native-like Pastis pronunciation.
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Pastis originates from the Provençal word pastís meaning a mixed drink; it entered French usage in the early 20th century, popularized after World War I as a refreshing aperitif. The modern Pastis derives from anise-flavored liqueurs and herbal distillates; the drink’s signature louche effect—cloudiness when water is added—stems from opacity caused by essential oils, particularly anethole, emulsifying with the diluting water. The term spread to neighboring regions, influencing similar beverages like anisette and ouzo, though regional recipes create distinct profiles. Historically, Pastis appears in French culinary and social rituals, signaling relaxation and conviviality after meals, with its rise linked to postwar wine replacement trends and the Mediterranean culinary culture. First known written references emerge in mid-20th-century menus and promotional texts, culminating in a recognizable, global aperitif standardized under various brand labels while retaining its core herbal, licorice-like character.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Pastis" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Pastis"
-tis sounds
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