There are two common ways you can pronounce the word ‘niche’ in English. The first option preserves the original pronunciation in French, while the second option is more ‘English’ in form:
- neesh [IPA: ni:ʃ]
You start with the N sound and move to a high ‘ee’ sound (as in the word ‘sea’), and then end with a SH sound. - nich [IPA: nɪt͡ʃ]
You start with the N sound and move to a short [ɪ] (as in the word ‘sit’), and end with a CH sound.
Watch my tutorial on how to pronounce ‘Niche’ and practice with me:
A niche is a hollow space in a wall, usually for some purpose. But you would usually hear ‘niche’ used in another meaning, which is a specific position that is suitable for someone or something. For example, you can find your own niche in a specific industry and do your own thing that no one else has done before you.
Want to learn more English words with foreign roots? Watch the tutorials on ‘croissant’, ‘bourgeois’, ‘cuisine’, and the episode about Six Food Names you’re (Probably) Pronouncing WRONG.
Additional resources: