How to pronounce Portugal
Say it like POR-chuh-gul. Portugal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce Portugal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- POR
- chuh
- gul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Portugal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PORSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "aw" in law.
- chuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- gulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of Portugal
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PAW-chuh-gul.
What does Portugal mean?
- A country in Southern Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula. Official name: Portuguese Republic. Capital and largest city: Lisbon.
Questions about saying Portugal
How do you pronounce Portugal?
Say POR-chuh-gul. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɔrtʃəɡəl/. In British English it is /ˈpɔːtʃʊɡəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Portugal?
Portugal has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POR). Broken into parts: POR · chuh · gul.
Is Portugal pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈpɔːtʃʊɡəl/ (PAW-chuh-gul).