How to pronounce quetzal
Say it like KET-sul. Quetzal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KET).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce quetzal. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KET
- sul
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Quetzal pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KETSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- sulKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of quetzal
American and British speakers say quetzal in essentially the same way: /ˈkɛtsəl/ in the US and /ˈkɛtsəl/ in the UK.
British respelling: KET-sul.
What does quetzal mean?
- Any trogon of the genus Pharomacrus, especially a resplendent quetzal (Pharomacrus mocinno), which has very long tail feathers and is found in Guatemala and Costa Rica.
- A monetary unit used in Guatemala, equal to 100 centavos.
Where does quetzal come from?
Borrowed from Spanish quetzal, from Classical Nahuatl quetzalli (“brightly colored tail feather, quetzal feather”), from quetza (“to raise, lift”); see also Classical Nahuatl quetzaltōtōtl (“quetzal bird”).
Questions about saying quetzal
How do you pronounce quetzal?
Say KET-sul. The American pronunciation is /ˈkɛtsəl/. In British English it is /ˈkɛtsəl/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in quetzal?
Quetzal has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KET). Broken into parts: KET · sul.
Do Americans and Brits say quetzal the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkɛtsəl/ and the British form is /ˈkɛtsəl/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.