How to Pronounce Yosemite [+What Locals Call It]
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Have you ever wondered how to pronounce Yosemite? It’s an interesting question that often trips up visitors to this California National Park.
Many people incorrectly read Yohs-Might. But the correct way to pronounce Yosemite is Yoh-Seh-Mih-Tee.
As a Fresno local who lives just 90 minutes from Yosemite and visits frequently, I’ve heard some wild Yosemite National Park pronunciation. In this post, I’ll break down the correct way to say it in addition to local nicknames for Yosemite and why you might hear us mispronounce it (on purpose.)
How to Pronounce Yosemite
Yosemite is correctly pronounced Yoh-Seh-Mih-Tee. There should be four syllables and no pauses when you say it.
Another way to think of it is by breaking down each syllable:
- The first syllable is “Yo” as in “yoyo” toy.
- The second is “Seh” as in “secretary” or “sell.”
- The third syllable is “Mih” as in “minute” or “milk.” However, you may hear people pronounce it “Muh” as in “mustard” or “much.” Both ways are considered correct.
- The fourth syllable is “Tee” as in “teeth” or the drink “tea.”
What Do Locals Call Yosemite?
In true Californian fashion, locals have several nicknames and slang terms for Yosemite National Park.
You might hear Yosemite called “Yoss,” rhyming with “floss.” Similarly, it is also referred to as “Yose,” rhyming with “gross.”
I’m thinking of going up to Yoss this weekend.
Woah, you’ve never been to Yose?
You might even hear locals poke fun at Yosemite’s most common mispronunciation by calling it “Yohs-Might.”
One iteration you won’t hear is how Trump pronounced Yosemite in August 2020.
Yosemite Pronunciation FAQ
The Southern Miwok tribe is indigenous to Yosemite Valley. The word “Yosemite” comes from the Miwok word for grizzly bear.
El Capitan is two words. The first is the single-syllable “El.” The second word is three syllables: Cap-Ih-Tan.
Tuolumne is four syllables: Too-Ah-Luhm-Nee.
I hope this was helpful for your next visit to my favorite California National Park! Now you know the correct Yosemite pronunciation so that you will fit right in with the locals. Happy exploring!
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