How, in GOD'S NAME, does one pronounce Wolf-Rayet

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SUMMARY

The correct pronunciation of "Rayet" in "Wolf-Rayet star" is debated, with variations including "Ray-ay," "Ray-et," "Ry-yet," and "Ry-eee." The accepted French pronunciation leans towards "Rayet" rhyming with "I say," while some argue for "Ray-eee," reflecting typical French pronunciation rules. Ultimately, the pronunciation may vary based on audience expectations and cultural context, similar to how names like "Einstein" are pronounced differently in German and English.

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How, in GOD'S NAME, does one pronounce "Wolf-Rayet"

Very simple question - how is "Rayet" as in "Wolf-Rayet star" pronounced? I've heard:

- "Ray-ay"
- "Ray-et"
- "Ry-yet"
- "Ry-eee"

Somebody must know what the accepted French pronunciation is!
 
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Astrofiend said:
Very simple question - how is "Rayet" as in "Wolf-Rayet star" pronounced? I've heard:

- "Ray-ay"
- "Ray-et"
- "Ry-yet"
- "Ry-eee"

Somebody must know what the accepted French pronunciation is!

I say there! If what I want is the French pronunciation, then I say Rayet to rhyme with "I say".

Sometimes French pronunciation can sound affected though, so try to gauge your audience and pronounce it the way they expect and feel comfortable with.

Do you give Einstein the German pronunciation with a big juicy "shtein"? Or do you use the anglicized "stein"?
 
Last edited:


Yeah - got to say I love to go the big 'shtein' there...
 


hi there,

i learned french in school and i would pronounce it "ray-eee", the a sounds like in gras with an GB accent. It should be this way because most words in french that end with et are pronounced "eee". But its difficult to say cause names are special cases in every country. so it could also be "ray-et".

just pronounce it as borat would and everybody will think its aaaight ;)
 


Astrofiend said:
"Ray-et"

That's how I pronounce it.
 


Hmmm - three replies and three different answers! I guess that any way is fine!
 

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