‘Ghibli’ or ‘Jibli’? The correct way to pronounce it

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.