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Pronunciation Comparison
🔊 Homophones: 100% Identical Pronunciation (⁄ˈtʃɪli⁄)

How to Pronounce chili vs chilly

Key Pronunciation Contrast

"chili" and "chilly" are exact English homophones with 100% identical phonetic pronunciation (⁄ˈtʃɪli⁄). They share the exact same sound from start to finish but differ in spelling, origin, and meaning.

Word 1Full word page➔

chili

⁄ˈtʃɪli⁄

Syllables

CHI·li

Definition:

The pungent, spicy fresh or dried fruit of any of several cultivated varieties of capsicum peppers, used in cooking.

“Capsicum—the dried ripe fruit of Capsicum fastigiatum—is also known as Chilly pepper, Chillies, Guinea, or pod pepper, and is chiefly brought from Zanzibar. The several varieties differ in shape and size, are of a red colour, and filled with numerous red-brown, pungent seeds.”
Word 2Full word page➔

chilly

⁄ˈtʃɪli⁄

Syllables

CHIL·ly

Definition:

Cold enough to cause discomfort.

“[…] The Aſparagus grew; but in three or four Years complained, by coming up ſmall; occaſioned by the chilly Effluvia, that proceeded from the Water lodg'd at the bottom of the Pit; […]”

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Frequently Asked Questions: chili vs chilly

What is the difference in pronunciation between "chili" and "chilly"?

"chili" and "chilly" are exact English homophones with 100% identical phonetic pronunciation (⁄ˈtʃɪli⁄). They share the exact same sound from start to finish but differ in spelling, origin, and meaning.

Where does the syllable stress fall in "chili" vs "chilly"?

"chili" has 2 syllable(s) (chi · li) with stress on "CHI". "chilly" has 2 syllable(s) (chil · ly) with stress on "CHIL".

Why do English learners often confuse "chili" and "chilly"?

These words share similar consonant frameworks and vowel lengths, making them difficult for non-native speakers to distinguish without back-to-back ear training.

What are example sentences for "chili" and "chilly"?

Example for "chili": "Capsicum—the dried ripe fruit of Capsicum fastigiatum—is also known as Chilly pepper, Chillies, Guinea, or pod pepper, and is chiefly brought from Zanzibar. The several varieties differ in shape and size, are of a red colour, and filled with numerous red-brown, pungent seeds." Example for "chilly": "[…] The Aſparagus grew; but in three or four Years complained, by coming up ſmall; occaſioned by the chilly Effluvia, that proceeded from the Water lodg'd at the bottom of the Pit; […]"