Samhain is commonly pronounced as “Sow-en” (rhyming with cow and then a short “en” like in “then”) in traditional Irish/Gaelic usage. In English contexts you’ll often hear variants like “SAHM-win” or “SAWN-in,” but the authentic Irish pronunciation centers on the two-syllable feel of “Sow-en,” with the second syllable lighter than a full English “en.” Key notes:
- Native Irish pronunciation: Sow-en (the “ow” like in cow; the second syllable is a shorter, lighter vowel sound).
- English learning references often provide two mainstream renderings: "Sow-en" and "Sow-in," depending on regional dialect and anglicization.
- Cambridge and Britannica guidance align with the general “Sow-en” sound, while some sources show minor variations in vowel quality.
If you’d like, I can tailor a short pronunciation guide with audio cues and practice phrases to help you settle on a confident, accurate pronunciation.
