How to pronounce Portuguese
Say it like POR-chuh-gheez. Portuguese 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 Portuguese. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- POR
- chuh
- gheez
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Portuguese 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.
- gheezGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of Portuguese
- The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3.
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: paw-chuh-GHEEZ.
What does Portuguese mean?
- the Romance language spoken in Portugal and Brazil
- a native or inhabitant of Portugal
- of or relating to or characteristic of Portugal or the people of Portugal or their language“Portuguese wines”
Questions about saying Portuguese
How do you pronounce Portuguese?
Say POR-chuh-gheez. The American pronunciation is /ˈpɔrtʃəˌɡiz/. In British English it is /ˌpɔːtʃʊˈɡiːz/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in Portuguese?
Portuguese has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (POR). Broken into parts: POR · chuh · gheez.
Is Portuguese pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. The stress moves: Americans stress syllable 1, while British speakers stress syllable 3. The British form is /ˌpɔːtʃʊˈɡiːz/ (paw-chuh-GHEEZ).