How to Pronounce ijs

CEFR level: A1

English: ice / ice cream

Say it like ays

Phonetic breakdown

The word consists of the diphthong 'ij' pronounced like the English 'eye' followed by a soft 's' sound.

Learners often mispronounce the 'ij' as an 'ee' sound, but it should sound like the English word 'eye'.

In Dutch, 'ijs' is used for both frozen water and the dessert, so context usually clarifies which one is meant.