How to pronounce derecho
Say it like duh-RAY-choh. Derecho has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce derecho. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- duh
- RAY
- choh
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Derecho pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- duhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- RAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- chohKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "o" in go.
American vs British pronunciation of derecho
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: duh-RAY-choh.
What does derecho mean?
- A windstorm characterized by strong, straight-line winds.
Where does derecho come from?
Learned borrowing from Spanish derecho (“straight”).
Questions about saying derecho
How do you pronounce derecho?
Say duh-RAY-choh. The American pronunciation is /dəˈreɪtʃoʊ/. In British English it is /dəˈreɪtʃəʊ/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in derecho?
Derecho has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (RAY). Broken into parts: duh · RAY · choh.
Is derecho pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh". The British form is /dəˈreɪtʃəʊ/ (duh-RAY-choh).