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Original poster

How to pronounce Gabriel?

39 replies

EnormousStuffedMarrow · 15/12/2022 07:40

I meeting someone for work today - is it Gay-briel or Gab-riel?

I will ask him if necessary but thought I'd ask the Mighty Mumsnet first.

Perhaps it depends where he's from and I don't know the answer to that (not UK).

OP posts:
Harebrain · 15/12/2022 07:40

It’s Gay-briel

Jackie776 · 15/12/2022 07:41

I would say Gay-bree-el.

Rustyheart · 15/12/2022 07:43

I say gab riel but it’s supposed to be gay briel usually

Parky04 · 15/12/2022 07:43

Jackie776 · 15/12/2022 07:41

I would say Gay-bree-el.

I agree.

brawhen · 15/12/2022 07:43

But if he is Italian it would be Gab-riel (like in gabby).

You'll have to ask!

hollyjolls · 15/12/2022 07:44

Gay-briel. I would assume gab-riel would be spelt Gabrielle.

ChateauMargaux · 15/12/2022 07:45

Both are possible.

Nikkynakkynoo · 15/12/2022 07:45

In my experience it's Gay- for UK/US and Gab- for spanish-speaking and most other countries that use it. But yeah, just take ask or take their lead!

Oakbeam · 15/12/2022 07:45

The only Gabriel I know pronounces his name Gab-riel.

He is Austrian.

ThanksItHasPockets · 15/12/2022 07:47

If you are from the UK then use the usual anglicised pronunciation gay-bree-el in the first instance and ask him to confirm his preferred pronunciation when appropriate. He might introduce himself and the problem will be solved for you!

PuntoEBasta · 15/12/2022 07:48

brawhen · 15/12/2022 07:43

But if he is Italian it would be Gab-riel (like in gabby).

You'll have to ask!

If he is Italian it will be spelt Gabriele and have three syllables.

PuntoEBasta · 15/12/2022 07:48

Sorry! Four syllables! Gab-ree-ell-eh

LaLoose · 15/12/2022 07:50

My son (UK) is Gay-bree-ul. The other Gabriels we have met (central London) are always GABB-riel if they are not UK/US, despite spellings. This includes French, Spanish, Italian, South American, central American and Moroccan.

So I would say if you know his nationality, go by that.

user1483387154 · 15/12/2022 07:50

usually gay bree el in UK. in Austria gab ree el

lifeinthehills · 15/12/2022 07:51

gay-bree-ell

PondintheRain · 15/12/2022 07:53

Yes, check where he’s from. I would default to ‘GAY-briel’, but self-correct if his pronunciation is different, obviously.

Doveyouknow · 15/12/2022 07:54

All the non UK Gabriels I have met are gab-riel so I would go with that.

ZoyaTheDestroyer · 15/12/2022 08:01

Just introduce yourself when you meet. He will reciprocate and the problem will be solved.

Stravaig · 15/12/2022 08:17

Ga-bri-el-(e).

Unless he's got large white wings, in which case the anglicised Gay-bri-el. Unless he's Jibrīl, ofc.

Original poster
EnormousStuffedMarrow · 15/12/2022 08:32

Thanks all! I'll ask him I think!

I will check for wings though @Stravaig good tip!

OP posts:
Tallulasdancingshoes · 15/12/2022 08:59

All of the Gabriel’s I’ve met have been gay-bree-el (males). Gab-ree-els have all been female (Gabrielle).

LaLoose · 15/12/2022 09:11

Tallulasdancingshoes · 15/12/2022 08:59

All of the Gabriel’s I’ve met have been gay-bree-el (males). Gab-ree-els have all been female (Gabrielle).

That's only the case for UK pronunciation.

Twentypast · 15/12/2022 09:35

I know a Dutch Gabriel. He pronounces it Garb-riel.

DashingWhiteSergeant · 15/12/2022 09:36

Portuguese and Spanish normally say Gab-riel, like Gabby.

Tallulasdancingshoes · 15/12/2022 09:47

Yes, I should have added that I’m in the UK. I’ve taught quite a few Gabriel’s/Gabrielle’s and they’ve all pronounced it this way. Got to cover all bases where mumsnet is concerned.