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How to Pronounce X in Portuguese – A Simple Guide for Leaners
Pronouncing the letter X in Portuguese can be tricky for language learners. That’s because, unlike in English, the letter X in Portuguese has four possible sounds:
- /ʃ/ as in chave (key)
- /ks/ as in táxi (taxi)
- /z/ as in exemplo (example)
- /s/ as in próximo (next)
Fortunately, some common spelling patterns can help you predict the correct pronunciation. Let’s dive in.
/ʃ/-sound
The most common pronunciation of the letter X in Portuguese is the /ʃ/ sound, similar to the English “sh” in she or ashes.
Words Starting with X
- xeque (check)
- xarope (syrup)
- xerife (sheriff)
- xenofobia (xenophobia)
- xícara (tea-cup)
- . . .
X Before a Consonant
When the letter X appears before another consonant in Portuguese, it is almost always pronounced as /ʃ/.
Interestingly, many of these words have English cognates where the X is pronounced as /ks/ instead. Here are some examples:
- texto (text)
- explorar (explore)
- extremo (extreme)
- expectativa (expectation)
- exterior (exterior)
- . . .
X Between Vowels
When the letter X appears between vowels in Portuguese, things get a bit more unpredictable. There are three possible pronunciations, and unfortunately, no strict rules to follow.
For the most part, however, X between vowels is pronounced as /ʃ/—just like in previous cases. Here are some common examples:
- baixo (short)
- ameixa (plum)
- queixa (complaint)
- lixo (garbage)
- puxar (pull)
- . . .
/ks/-sound
In Portuguese, the letter X can be pronounced as /ks/ (like in accident) when it appears between vowels. Many of these words have English cognates that also follow the same pronunciation pattern.
Here are some common examples:
- complexo (complex)
- taxonomia (taxonomy)
- fluxo (flux)
- tóxico (toxic)
- axioma (axiom)
- . . .
/z/-sound
In some cases, the letter X in Portuguese is pronounced as /z/ (like in zealous). This often happens in words that have English cognates—although in English, the X is usually pronounced as /gz/ instead.
- exausto (exhaust)
- exagero (exaggeration)
- exílio (exile)
- exame (exam)
- exótico (exotic)
- . . .
👉 Speaking of cognates! You might already know more Portuguese words than you think! Check out Portuguese-English Cognates: Boost Your Portuguese Vocab Overnight.
/s/-sound
- próximo (next)
- máximo (maximum)
- auxílio (help)
- . . .
Also, take a look at these:
→ How to pronounce M in Portuguese
→ Rhotic Sounds in European Portuguese
→ Most Prominent Sound in European Portuguese