"Salmon" is one of the most commonly mispronounced food words in English. That pesky "L" in the middle? It's completely silent! Let's learn the correct pronunciation.
The Correct Pronunciation
Say it like this: SAM-un (2 syllables)
NOT: SAL-mon ❌
NOT: SAL-mun ❌
The Silent "L"
The "L" in salmon is 100% silent. It's there in the spelling but completely absent from the pronunciation.
Written: s-a-l-m-o-n
Spoken: s-a-m-u-n
Why Is the L Silent?
"Salmon" comes from Latin "salmo" through Old French. The "L" was part of the original Latin word, but French speakers stopped pronouncing it. English borrowed the word with the silent L intact—and kept the old spelling!
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- SAM /sæm/ - Like the name "Sam"
- un /ən/ - A quick schwa sound, like "un" in "button"
Just two syllables: SAM-un!
Common Mistakes
Mistake #1: Pronouncing the L
❌ SAL-mon
✅ SAM-un
Mistake #2: Stressing the wrong syllable
❌ sam-ON
✅ SAM-un (stress on first syllable)
Other Words with Silent L
English has several words where "L" is silent:
More Silent L Words
Practice at a Restaurant
Say these sentences to practice ordering:
- "I'll have the salmon, please."
- "Is the salmon fresh?"
- "How is the salmon prepared?"
- "I love grilled salmon."
- "The salmon was delicious."
Memory Trick
Think: SAM the fish (the L is on vacation!) 🐟
Or: "L" leaves salmon = SAM-un
Key Takeaways
- Pronounce it SAM-un (2 syllables)
- The "L" is completely silent
- Rhymes with "famine" (almost)
- Same silent L pattern: calm, palm, half, talk, walk
- Stress the first syllable
Now you can confidently order salmon at any restaurant!