Pronunciation Guide • English (from French)
How to Pronounce niche
Difficulty: medium
IPA Transcription
/niːʃ/ or /nɪtʃ/
Why is it so hard to pronounce?
Two valid pronunciations exist: British English uses /niːʃ/ (rhymes with "leash"), American English uses /nɪtʃ/ (rhymes with "itch"). Both are correct. The word entered English from French where it is /niʃ/.
💡 Pro Tip for niche
In professional/academic contexts, the French-origin /niːʃ/ pronunciation is common. In casual American speech, /nɪtʃ/ is widely accepted.
Listen to the Native Audio
To hear the exact pronunciation of niche by a native speaker, use the Pronouncer engine below.
Hear 'niche' Audio Now →Word Origins
The term niche originates from French "nicher" (to nest). Understanding its etymology helps explain why it breaks standard pronunciation rules.