How do you correctly pronounce 'Bonsai'?

A few years ago I took a beginner bonsai class and the master told us that the correct way to pronounce bonsai was Bone-si (long o and long i). (The master has been working with bonsai for 50 years). I have never heard anyone pronounce it like that and even my dictionary says to pronounce it as a short o. Which way is truely correct?

Bone-sigh ......... slight accent on the first syllable.

Al

Thank you Al, I should never have questioned the master !

Interesting story: I was observing a workshop conducted by John Naka, a late bone-sigh master at a convention some years back.

One of the participants, while working with Mr. Naka on a Shimpaku juniper asked, "How often should I water this juniper, Mr. Naka?"

His reply was, "Wait 'til plant become completely dry - then water day before."

His delivery was totally dry, and the advice is completely sound. Though I looked carefully, I did not detect a twinkle in his eye, so I still don't know if he was absolutely serious or having a little fun. ;o)

Al

Yes Al, he was having fun, but was also being accurate.

He was a delightful man, with an almost child-like sense of humor. But he never wasted any breath. And had a seemingly inexaustable wealth of knowledge that he was more than happy to pass on.

I was in two of his workshops before he left us, and learned to listen to every word.
His humor made the facts fun.

Wally