Have you ever typed “pyjamas” and wondered whether it should actually be “pajamas”? You’re not alone. Both spellings are correct, but the preferred form depends largely on the variety of English you’re using.
The main difference in pyjamas vs pajamas is regional. “Pyjamas” is the standard spelling in British English and is commonly used in countries influenced by British English, while “pajamas” is the standard American English spelling.
So, if you’re trying to figure out how to spell pajamas, the answer depends on your audience. Let’s break down the difference, pronunciation, history, and correct usage with some simple examples.
Pyjamas vs Pajamas: What’s the Difference?
The simplest answer is this:
- Pyjamas — British English spelling
- Pajamas — American English spelling
Both words refer to loose, comfortable clothing worn for sleeping or relaxing.
For example:
I bought a new pair of pyjamas for winter.
This spelling is natural in British English.
In American English, the same sentence would normally be written:
I bought a new pair of pajamas for winter.
The meaning hasn’t changed. Only the spelling differs.
Pajamas vs Pyjamas: Which One Is Correct?
If you’re asking whether one spelling is technically correct and the other is wrong, the answer is no. Both are legitimate English spellings.
Your choice should depend on the English variety you’re following.
| Spelling | Common English variety | Example |
| Pyjamas | British English | She put on her pyjamas. |
| Pajamas | American English | She put on her pajamas. |
There are also regional differences in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Usage can vary, but pyjamas is generally associated with British-style spelling.
When Should You Use “Pyjamas”?
Use pyjamas when writing primarily for a British English audience.
It is commonly seen in:
- The United Kingdom
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Other regions where British English conventions are commonly followed
For example:
The children changed into their pyjamas before bedtime.
When Should You Use “Pajamas”?
Use pajamas when following American English spelling.
For example:
He packed three pairs of pajamas for the trip.
American dictionaries and publications generally use pajamas as the standard spelling.
How Do You Spell Pajamas?
If you’re wondering how to spell pajamas, there are two standard forms:
P-A-J-A-M-A-S → pajamas
P-Y-J-A-M-A-S → pyjamas
The American spelling is pajamas, while the British spelling is pyjamas.
A useful way to remember the distinction is:
American = pajamas
British = pyjamas
The difference comes from the vowel after the initial P.
How Do You Spell Pajama in the Singular?
The singular form is also slightly different depending on the spelling system.
American English
pajama
Example:
He was still wearing his pajama top.
British English
pyjama
Example:
He was still wearing his pyjama top.
However, in everyday English, people frequently talk about a pair of pajamas/pyjamas, because the clothing traditionally consists of a top and trousers.
For example:
I need a new pair of pajamas.
or:
I need a new pair of pyjamas.
Both are grammatically acceptable in their respective spelling systems.
Why Are There Two Spellings?
The difference comes from the word’s history.
The English word ultimately comes from Hindi and Urdu, where the word pāy-jāma referred to a type of leg garment. The term is connected to Persian roots and was adopted into English during the period of British involvement in South Asia.
Over time, English speakers developed different spellings.
British English retained the spelling closer to pyjamas, while American English settled on pajamas.
This is similar to many other British-American spelling differences, such as:
- colour vs color
- favourite vs favorite
- centre vs center
- traveller vs traveler
Neither system is inherently more correct. They simply follow different conventions.
Pyjamas vs Pajamas in Different Countries
Regional spelling is especially useful to understand if you’re writing online.
United Kingdom
Pyjamas is the normal spelling.
I bought some new pyjamas.
United States
Pajamas is the normal spelling.
I bought some new pajamas.
Australia and New Zealand
Pyjamas is generally preferred because these countries traditionally follow British English spelling conventions.
Canada
Canadian English can vary. Both British and American influences are present, so you may encounter both forms, although pyjamas is commonly used.
The important point is consistency. If you’re writing an article in British English, don’t switch between pyjamas and pajamas randomly.
Pyjamas vs Pajamas: Pronunciation
Interestingly, the spelling difference usually doesn’t create a major difference in pronunciation.
Both are generally pronounced approximately like:
puh-JAH-muhz
The first syllable is relatively weak, while the middle syllable carries the main stress.
In American English, pajamas is often pronounced with a sound closer to puh-JAH-məz. British pronunciation can vary somewhat by speaker and region.
So, unlike some spelling differences, the important distinction here is primarily written form, not meaning.
Common Examples of “Pyjamas” and “Pajamas”
Here are some examples showing how the spelling changes between varieties of English.
British English
- I put on my pyjamas before going to bed.
- These pyjamas are very comfortable.
- She bought a new pyjama top.
- The children wore matching pyjamas.
American English
- I put on my pajamas before going to bed.
- These pajamas are very comfortable.
- She bought a new pajama top.
- The children wore matching pajamas.
Notice that the sentence structure and meaning remain essentially identical.
“Pyjamas” or “Pajamas”: Which Should You Use?
Choose based on your audience and writing style.
Use “pyjamas” if:
- You’re writing in British English.
- Your audience is primarily in the UK.
- Your publication follows British spelling.
- You’re maintaining British spelling throughout a larger piece of content.
Use “pajamas” if:
- You’re writing in American English.
- Your audience is primarily in the United States.
- You’re following an American style guide.
- Your publication consistently uses American spelling.
Common Spelling Mistakes
Because the two spellings look so similar, people sometimes create incorrect variations.
Common mistakes include:
- pajamaas
- pyjammas
- pajamaes
- pyjamasz
- pajamases
The correct forms are simply:
- pajama
- pajamas
- pyjama
- pyjamas
The plural isn’t formed by adding extra letters beyond the standard -s.
Is “Pyjamas” the British Spelling of “Pajamas”?
Yes. Pyjamas is the standard British English spelling corresponding to the American English pajamas.
For example:
British: She bought new pyjamas.
American: She bought new pajamas.
The words have the same meaning and refer to sleepwear.
Is “Pajamas” an American Spelling?
Yes. Pajamas is the standard American English spelling.
If you’re writing for an American audience, pajamas is generally the form you should choose.
This is one reason American websites, stores, and publications usually use pajamas, while British publications commonly use pyjamas.
Why Do Some People Write “PJs”?
You may also see PJs or PJs used as an informal abbreviation for pajamas or pyjamas.
For example:
I’m going to change into my PJs.
This abbreviation is informal and works well in casual writing, messages, advertising, and conversation.
The underlying word can still be spelled pajamas or pyjamas depending on the variety of English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “pyjamas” or “pajamas” correct?
Both are correct. Pyjamas is the standard British English spelling, while pajamas is the standard American English spelling.
How do you spell pajamas?
In American English, spell it pajamas. In British English, the equivalent spelling is pyjamas.
How do you spell pajama in British English?
The British English singular form is pyjama. The plural is pyjamas.
How do you spell pajama in American English?
The American English singular form is pajama, and the plural is pajamas.
Is “pyjamas” an American spelling?
No. Pyjamas is primarily associated with British English. American English normally uses pajamas.
Are pajamas and pyjamas the same thing?
Yes. They have the same meaning. The difference is mainly a matter of regional spelling.
Is “PJs” short for pajamas?
Yes. PJs is an informal abbreviation commonly used for pajamas or pyjamas.
Why does British English use “pyjamas”?
The spelling developed through the history of the word’s adoption into English, with British usage retaining pyjamas while American English developed the spelling pajamas.
Conclusion: Pyjamas vs Pajamas Explained
When it comes to pyjamas vs pajamas, there isn’t a battle over which spelling is universally correct. Both are correct, but they belong to different English spelling conventions.
Use pyjamas for British English and pajamas for American English. If you’re wondering how to spell pajamas, simply consider who you’re writing for and stay consistent throughout your content.
So the next time you see pajamas and pyjamas, don’t assume one is a typo. They’re simply two regional spellings of the same familiar word.
