Learn How to Pronounce Kutaisi

Quick Answer: In Georgian, the name Kutaisi is pronounced [kʰutʰɑisi].
(Listen to the audio above for the stress and intonation)

The Expert's Take

Dr. Franz Lang

"This name has a wonderful ancient feel. I remember reading about the Kingdom of Colchis and trying to imagine how the name sounded thousands of years ago. The "ai" diphthong is key here; it needs to be bright and clear, like the sun reflecting off the Rioni River."

By Dr. Franz Lang

Meaning and Context

Kutaisi, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and the historical capital of the ancient Kingdom of Colchis, is a major urban center in western Georgia. Situated on the banks of the Rioni River, the city serves as the legislative capital of Georgia, a status it has held since the Parliament of Georgia relocated to a new, architecturally striking building there in 2012. Renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site hub, Kutaisi is the gateway to the majestic Gelati Monastery, a medieval center of science and education, and the nearby ruins of the Bagrati Cathedral, both of which are pivotal landmarks for cultural tourism in Georgia. As the second-largest city in the country, it functions as a crucial industrial, economic, and transport hub for the Imereti region, blending its profound archaeological significance with a vibrant, modern role in Georgian political and cultural life.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The standard and correct spelling for the city is Kutaisi. Common alternative transliterations from the Georgian script (ქუთაისი) include Kutais (dropping the final 'i') and the less frequent Kutaïsi (using a diaeresis). A frequent misspelling, often arising from phonetic interpretation or typographical error, is Kutiasi, where the 'a' and 'i' are transposed. In older historical texts, one might occasionally encounter the Russian-influenced transliteration Kutais, which was standard during the Soviet era. Travelers and writers should be mindful to use "Kutaisi" for clarity and consistency with modern Georgian and international usage.

Example Sentences

Many visitors begin their exploration of Georgian history at the Gelati Monastery, a short drive from the center of Kutaisi.

Following the constitutional reforms, the Parliament of Georgia commenced its sessions in the new building in Kutaisi in 2012, cementing the city's political importance.

The vibrant central market in Kutaisi offers a sensory overload of local produce, including the famous Imeretian cheese and spices.

Archaeologists believe that Kutaisi was a key center of the legendary Kingdom of Colchis, from which the myth of Jason and the Argonauts springs.

To experience the city's scenic beauty, take a leisurely stroll along the Rioni River embankment at sunset.

Sources and References

I gathered phonetic information for Kutaisi from Wikipedia and Wiktionary. I then verified the sounds using Forvo's native recordings and YouGlish for English-language examples. I also find it useful to listen to interviews with local historians to hear the name spoken with traditional Georgian emphasis.

Related Pronunciations

📂 Browse all words in the Eastern European and Russian Geography category ➔