Restaurant is pronounced RES-tər-ahnt (IPA /ˈrɛstərɑːnt/). Squash the middle vowel — 'RES-trahnt' or 'RES-tur-ahnt'.
IPA: /ˈrɛstərɑːnt/
Syllables: RES · tər · ahnt
Common ESL mistake: Learners pronounce a full 'au' saying 'res-TAUR-ant' with three even syllables.
Tip: Squash the middle vowel — 'RES-trahnt' or 'RES-tur-ahnt'.