How to pronounce mahjong
In American English, mahjong is usually said "mah-JONG" (rhymes with song), with the stress on the second syllable. Some people say "mah-ZHONG". The National Mah Jongg League spells it "mah jongg"; it's the same game.
Common spellings
Mahjong, mah jongg, mahjongg and mah-jong are all used. American players often shorten it to "mahj".
In Mandarin
The game is called májiàng; in Cantonese it's closer to "mah-jeuk".
Where the name comes from
The Chinese name is usually translated as "sparrow", often linked to the clatter of tiles being shuffled. The game reached the United States in the 1920s, when several spellings were sold at once, which is why so many versions survive.
What players actually say
At an American table you'll mostly hear "mahj": "mahj night", "do you play mahj?" When someone wins, they call out "Mahjong!" or just "Mahj!"
Common questions
Is it mahjong or mah jongg?
Both. The National Mah Jongg League uses "mah jongg"; most other people write "mahjong". It's the same game.
What does mahj mean?
It's the nickname American players use for the game, as in "mahj night".
Do you pronounce the g at the end?
Yes, it ends like "song". The double g in "jongg" is only a spelling.