How to pronounce

Feijoa

You might spot the word “feijoa” on a smoothie menu or in a Kiwi recipe and wonder how to say it. The spelling looks tricky, but once you know the sound of the “j” and the rhythm, it’s easy.

Step‑by‑Step Pronunciation Guide

British English: /feɪˈʒəʊ.ə/ → fay‑ZHOH‑uh
Breaking it down — fay (rhymes with day), ZHOH (soft “zh” as in “measure”), uh (quick, relaxed ending)American English: /feɪˈhoʊ.ə/ → fay‑HOH‑uh
Breaking it down — fay, HOH (like “hoe”), uh (quick, relaxed ending)Both versions keep the stress on the middle syllable. Say it in three beats: fay‑ZHOH‑uh in the U.K., fay‑HOH‑uh in the U.S.

Common Mispronunciations

• “fuh‑JOE‑ah” – wrong vowel in the first syllable and a hard “j”
• “FEE‑joe” – drops the final “uh” and misplaces stress
• “fay‑JOH‑ay” – adds an extra vowel at the end

Practice Sentences

• “The backyard feijoa tree is loaded with fruit this year.”
• “I made a batch of feijoa jam for breakfast.”
• “New Zealanders love adding feijoa to smoothies.”

Feijoa in Food Culture

In New Zealand, autumn is “feijoa season,” with roadside stalls selling the fragrant fruit by the bucket. Bakers turn them into cakes and crumbles, and brewers craft feijoa ciders and kombuchas.

Definition of

Feijoa

Feijoa is a green, egg‑shaped fruit native to South America and now popular in New Zealand, Australia, and parts of California. It tastes like a mix of pineapple, guava, and mint, and is enjoyed fresh or made into jams, juices, and desserts.

What does it mean

Feijoa

Named after Portuguese botanist João da Silva Feijó; the fruit spread from its native South America to New Zealand and Australia in the late 19th century.

Frequently asked questions

Which pronunciation is “correct,” fay‑ZHOH‑uh or fay‑HOH‑uh?

Both are accepted. “fay‑ZHOH‑uh” echoes the original Portuguese‑influenced sound, while “fay‑HOH‑uh” is more common in New Zealand, Australia, and the U.S.

Why is the “j” sometimes a “zh” sound?

The name comes from Portuguese and Spanish, where “j” can sound like the soft “zh.” English speakers adapt it to either “zh” or “j” depending on region.

How many syllables does “feijoa” have?

Three: fei / jo / a. Keep the stress on the second syllable and finish with a quick “uh.”