Spanish words that are often mispronounced by English speakers
Spanish is the native language of over 500 million people worldwide, and is also being learned as a second language by many English speakers.
Yet there are some Spanish words that are regularly mispronounced by native English speakers.
This is most often because the English and Spanish sound systems are significantly different.
In this lesson, we will introduce some common Spanish words that are often mispronounced by English speakers, and we will also show you the correct pronunciation.
1. Jalapeño
One of the most well-known examples is the jalapeño, which is a hot pepper.
❌️Common mispronunciations in English:
“jalapeño”
“halapéno”
✔️Correct Spanish pronunciation:
ha-la-PE-nyo
The “j” sound in Spanish is an h-like sound, while the “ñ” sound is an ny sound.
2. Quesadilla
A classic dish of Mexican cuisine.
❌️Common mispronunciation:
“quesadilla”
“quesadilla”
✔️Correct pronunciation:
ke-sa-DI-ja
The “ll” sounds like a j-like sound in most Spanish dialects.
3. Tortilla
Many English speakers also mispronounce this word.
❌️Common mispronunciation:
“tor-TIL-la”
✔️Correct pronunciation:
tor-TI-ja
The “ll” here is not an “l” but a j-like sound.
4. Ibiza
The name of the famous Spanish island is also often mispronounced.
❌️Common Mispronunciation:
“áj-bí-za” ✔️Correct Spanish Pronunciation:
i-BI-tha (in Spain)
i-BI-sa (in Latin America)
In Spanish pronunciation, the “z” is often pronounced like a th sound.
5. Chorizo
This spicy sausage is featured on many restaurant menus.
❌️Common Mispronunciation:
“chorízó” ✔️Correct Pronunciation:
cso-RI-tho or cso-RI-so
Here again, the Spanish “z” sound is the problem.
6. Rioja
Name of the famous Spanish wine region.
❌️Common Mispronunciation:
“ri-ó-dža”
“ri-o-ha”
✔️Correct Pronunciation:
ri-O-ha
The “j” is again pronounced like an h-like sound.
If you want to speak Spanish more accurately, try these tips:
☝🏼Listen to native speakers (podcasts, movies)
☝🏼Pay attention to special sounds: j, ñ, ll, z
☝🏼Use online pronunciation dictionaries
☝🏼Practice out loud
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
Spanish Turkish Words
Spanish Course
Spanish Text Talk
MORE SPANISH
Spanish Videos
Spanish Exercises
Spanish Membership
NEWSLETTER
Subscribe to get free lessons and updates!
