How To Pronounce Caribbean?

[ja1myn]

I say it both ways. Depends on the context.

[BajanYankee]

Originally Posted by Beans&Cornbread

Most folks I know from the Caribbean (primarily Jamaica) pronounce it "care ah BE in." I pronounce it "cuh RIB be in."

Mostly true. Bajans speak with what's called a "glottal stop," so "Caribbean" sounds like "Careuh-be-yun" with a high inflection at the end of the word. For example, Americans says "Super Market" whereas Bajans say "Super Mar - Kette."


The Barbados/Bajan Tag

[RalphKNS]

I say cara-BEAN. A bit different than either of the more popular ways.

[plates]

Originally Posted by ja1myn

I say it both ways. Depends on the context.

The Pirates of The Caribbean is the only time I pronounce it that way. Every other time is the alternative pronunciation for me.

[ReineDeCoeur]

"Ca-RIB-yan" is it for me...that's how my Trini family pronounces it.
It differs depending on the island.

[erikthealien]

I noticed the different ways people have said this as well.

[Perfect Stranger]

Originally Posted by Natural510

The two most common pronunciations are the English and Spanish forms of saying "Caribbean", so I suppose it depends on where you're from and to which part you're referring.

I'm not following. The Spanish word is "Caribe", not "Caribbean".

[burloak]

Originally Posted by RalphKNS

I say cara-BEAN. A bit different than either of the more popular ways.

I pronounce it cara be an

Though the other way sounds better