Studio Ghibli, the iconic Japanese animation studio founded by legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, is beloved worldwide for films like “Spirited Away,” “My Neighbor Totoro,” and “Princess Mononoke.” Yet, despite its global fame, there remains significant confusion about the correct pronunciation of its name. Is it “Ghibli” with a hard “G,” or “Jibli” with a soft “G”?
The confusion stems from the studio’s origin story and the linguistic journey the word “Ghibli” has taken. Initially, “Ghibli” (ギブリ) comes from an Italian word pronounced with a hard “G” (as in “gift”). This Italian word means a hot wind from the Sahara Desert, symbolic of the studio’s intent to introduce fresh, new winds into the animation industry. Miyazaki, who has a profound fascination with aviation, specifically named the studio after the Italian Caproni Ca.309 Ghibli aircraft. This historical aircraft also carried the Italian pronunciation, solidifying the hard “G” sound.
However, when adopting this Italian word into Japanese, the pronunciation shifted due to phonetic constraints in the Japanese language. In Japanese, the studio name is written as ジブリ (Jiburi), explicitly using a soft “G” sound, similar to the English “J.” This was a practical choice, influenced by Japanese linguistic rules and phonetic patterns that do not neatly accommodate certain foreign pronunciations. As a result, within Japan, the official and widely accepted pronunciation became “Jibli.”
Internationally, especially in English-speaking countries, both pronunciations are commonly heard, creating ongoing debate among fans. While many viewers, particularly those familiar with Italian or the historical reference, confidently pronounce it “Ghibli” (hard G), others follow the Japanese pronunciation, “Jibli.” This dual pronunciation has sparked debates on forums, social media, and fan gatherings, each group strongly advocating their preference.
Recently, this debate regained viral attention due to a new ChatGPT feature that generates images in “Studio Ghibli” style. Social media became flooded with “Ghiblified” portraits and landscapes, prompting even greater interest and confusion about pronunciation. Users exchanged video explanations, memes, and heated comments, propelling the topic into the spotlight once again.
Considering the studio’s Japanese origins and Miyazaki’s personal pronunciation in interviews, “Jibli” (soft G) is technically closer to the official studio pronunciation. Nonetheless, “Ghibli” with a hard “G” remains linguistically accurate in its original Italian context.
Ultimately, both pronunciations hold validity: “Ghibli” honors the studio’s Italian aviation inspiration, while “Jibli” respects its Japanese roots. Whether one chooses “Ghibli” or “Jibli” often depends on cultural context, linguistic preference, or even personal habit. The beauty of language—and indeed the charm of Studio Ghibli itself—is this diversity and fluidity of interpretation.
In the end, regardless of pronunciation, the magic and artistry behind Studio Ghibli’s creations speak louder than words, captivating audiences worldwide.