Letter X in Portuguese – How to Pronounce It
Regarding pronunciation, the letter X is quite challenging for those learning Portuguese. Here is why:
In Portuguese, the letter X stands for four different language sounds, namely, the /ʃ/-sound (as in shape), the /ks/-sound (as in tax), the /z/-sound (as in zen), and the /s/-sound (as in sun).
Luckily, a few spelling patterns will make it easier for you. Learning these patterns and keeping them in the back of your mind will allow you, in most cases, to guess it right. Read on.
/ʃ/-sound
Words starting with X
- xeque (check)
- xarope (syrup)
- xerife (sheriff)
- xenofobia (xenophobia)
- xícara (tea-cup)
- . . .
X in front of a consonant
- texto (text)
- explorar (explore)
- extremo (extreme)
- expectativa (expectation)
- exterior (exterior)
- . . .
X in between vowels
Olá! I'm Pedro and I'm your Portuguese teacher.
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